Another week, another update on the contract situation of Giants running back Saquon Barkley. In the newest addition to the saga, Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post makes the suggestion that the team faces a potential win-win scenario in letting Barkley test free agency, a strategy that Barkley claims he would welcome. 
In Dunleavy’s scenario, the Giants would put negotiations in the hands of the open market. This would be slightly similar to when the Ravens placed a non-exclusive franchise tag on Lamar Jackson, allowing other teams to submit offer sheets and, effectively, set the market for their franchise quarterback. Baltimore’s efforts were for naught, though, as other teams saw through the fairly transparent move and opted not to do the Ravens’ work for them. The strategy could work a little better for New York, as unrestricted free agency would not pose quite the same risks for interested parties as submitting offer sheets would’ve for teams wanting Jackson.
Dunleavy suggests that this strategy would need to include a handshake agreement between Barkley and the team that Barkley would “bring his best offer back to the table before signing elsewhere.” Barkley has been vocal in his desires to remain with the Giants long-term. If the team has faith in Barkley’s sincerity, they may be willing to allow Barkley to walk and test the market under the agreement that they will have an opportunity to match any offers made to their franchise back.
“I wouldn’t be against that. That’s fair,” Barkley said of the suggestion. “They know where I want to be. Ownership said they want me to be a Giant for life, too. Last year, we tried our best at the end. Business happened, and we didn’t get it done.”
Barkley is bullish about his self-worth. When the Giants opted for an essential prove-it year during the 2022 season, Barkley accepted the challenge, delivering his most productive year since his rookie campaign. The veteran’s Pro Bowl efforts made things even tougher in negotiations. As the running back position’s collective worth continues to dip in recent years, here Barkley was, proving he was among the best at the position and deserve to be paid like so.
The Giants balked at paying Barkley the numbers being seen by 49ers rusher Christian McCaffrey or Saints back Alvin Kamara. When the two sides failed to reach a long-term agreement to lock down Barkley, they agreed to settle for a one-year, $10.09MM contract, delaying negotiations for another year.
In a second consecutive prove-it season, Barkley mostly delivered, yet again, falling only 38 yards short of the 1,000-yard rushing mark despite missing three contests. Had Barkley appeared in those extra three games, he certainly had the potential to match many of the figures he had put up in 2022. And, though durability has been a point of focus in negotiations of running back value, missing three games is hardly grounds for a significant change in Barkley’s contract numbers.
Regardless, Barkley continues to stand on his desires. His willingness to try Dunleavy’s suggested plan also proves that he remains confident in his value. The likelihood of a team trusting the future of their best offensive player to a handshake agreement seems rather unlikely, but the sentiment is noted. The Giants appreciate their star rusher, but seemingly not enough to pay a little over market value to secure him long-term. So, perhaps, the best chance to determine Barkley’s value will have to come from the interest of the open market.
Well, the Buccaneers could offer him One Million Dollars, Dr Evil style
#2 could clear his throat and then go from there
The Giants need to just pay Barkley and move on to other important matters than need to be addressed. Matt Breida and the other RBs on the depth chart simply can’t replace the production the Giants are getting from Barkley.
Except when he’s on the IR. Which has been pretty much every year less his rookie season.
Bengals need a RB and Barkley needs a job. Mixon is a 1000 yard rusher, but his 30 yard bursts are few and far between. If the Bengals had Barkley or Henry the defenses would have to be wary of the run and/or Burrow slinging a pass to Higgins, Chase, or (fill in blank). Right now they can sit back on obvious running plays and gang tackle Mixon. I would love to see Henry in stripes, but that’s just my opinion for what it’s worth.
If you’re unhappy with Mixon given his “30 yd bursts are few and far between, then you might want to re-consider Barkley as he averaged only 3.9 this year and while he may be a home run threat, he dances east to west before hitting the hole almost all the time, and doesn’t have the speed to outrun defences…. and he isn’t the type of back who carries defenders with him through the hole….another wards he’s no McCaffrey when it comes to falling forward almost every time…….
For the same money I would take Barkley. Mixon doesn’t carry anybody anymore either. And he wears down to quickly. I would much rather have Henry, but beggars can’t be choosers. We should have kept Perrine and let Mixon walk
In a sport where turnovers often decide the outcome of games you definitely want a guy like Joe Mixon on your roster. His ball security is outstanding as he only averages one fumble for every 261 carries.
After watching Mixon in almost every game this year my opinion is that he needs to be a third down back exclusively. It really doesn’t matter if he holds onto the ball if he doesn’t go anywhere with it. He was a banger a few years ago, but all that hard charging has taken it’s toll. He’s good for 10 yards and a cloud of dust once or twice a game, but as an every down guy he just doesn’t cut it. Loyalty is great, but not when you’re trying to go to the SB. All of this is my humble opinion based on observation.
The Bengals have much more important things to do with their cap space than shell out a high level contract for a veteran running back with a serious injury history.
Wonder if like OBJ that if and when he finally gets out of the Giants he’s too banged up and stuff that he never truly gets to blossom to the next level like we all want to see.
Barkley is no diva, unlike Beckham.
This article doesn’t address the biggest issue. Barkley is getting older and slower. He doesn’t have the same top end speed. In another year or two Barkley may not be that special if he continues to get slower and continues to get injured.
hope it works out for both either way. He is an awesome dude and has the attitude that you want part of your organization. But as a business the injuries certainly play a part. He has been relatively healthy the last couple seasons. The season after the ACL, although he played most was still a build back year. last season its tough to vote against as the QB situation made teams stack 8 and 9 in the box several games. almost Chris Johnson like strategy