Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Yeah, they need him.Good... good. Giants need Barkley back in the fold, no matter whom the QB is.
And I think SB would find out that his street value is a little more depressed outside of NYG than he expects.
Yeah, they need him.Good... good. Giants need Barkley back in the fold, no matter whom the QB is.
Giants placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Saquon Barkley.
Like Tony Pollard before him, Barkley will get a guaranteed salary of $10.09 million. The Giants have said they're interested in signing Barkley to an extension and with Daniel Jones' extension wrapped up, can finally turn their attention to their star running back. Barkley has reportedly been asking for around $14-$16 million a season, and turned down $12 million a season on an in-season extension. Either way, the 26-year-old will likely be with the Giants next season and will be returned to the perennial RB1 tier after a bounceback 295/1312/10 season in his first year in Brian Daboll's offense. Barkley can negotiate with other clubs but the odds of any team giving up two first-round picks for a running back in today's environment seem extremely slim.
SOURCE: Art Stapleton on Twitter
Mar 7, 2023 at 3:58 PM ET
Giants owner John Mara said the team wants Saquon Barkley to "be a Giant for his entire career."
After signing quarterback Daniel Jones to a long-term deal shortly before the franchise tag deadline, the Giants moved to place the tag on Barkley. While the team still hopes to get a deal done with their star running back, Mara also noted that there's "no outstanding offer" on the table for Barkley and that the team "stepped back" after placing the tag on him. The two sides are reportedly still in talks with one another, but it's possible this negotiation stretches into the months leading up to training camp.
SOURCE: ESPN
Mar 27, 2023, 5:26 PM ET
Fox Sports' Ralph Vacchiano reports the Giants "don't have much of an interest" in signing Saquon Barkley to a long-term deal.
Such is the life of an NFL running back in the 21st century. On Wednesday, Barkley said he would not play the 2023 season under the franchise tag. Vacchiano doesn't anticipate a "crisis" with Barkley holding out into the team's training camp, but it appears unlikely the 26-year-old back will get the long-term contract he wants. Vacchiano said the team is "content" with slapping the $10.1 million franchise tag on Barkley, who excelled in Brian Daboll's offense last season, totaling 1,650 yards and scoring ten touchdowns following a disappointing and injury-riddled 2021 season.
SOURCE: Ralph Vacchiano on Twitter
Apr 12, 2023 at 12:32 PM ET
Giants GM Joe Schoen said "nothing's changed since we talked at the owners' meetings" when asked about Saquon Barkley's contract status.
More importantly, when asked if he expects Barkley to report to training camp, Schoen said "You’d have to ask him. I don’t know what his plans are. I haven’t talked to him in three weeks." It doesn't sound like the sides are close to getting a deal done, though Schoen said they'll circle back after the draft. Barkley was franchise-tagged this offseason and does not have to report until he signs the tag.
SOURCE: Art Stapleton on Twitter
Apr 20, 2023 at 1:15 PM ET
Add to the fact, consider how much Barkley means to that offense.I understand the dynamics but it still seems weird that a pro bowl RB with 57 receptions in 2022 will get half the salary of a WR2 with 57 receptions in 2022.
When you have the chance to pay Daniel Jones $40+ million a year, you gotta do it...Add to the fact, consider how much Barkley means to that offense.I understand the dynamics but it still seems weird that a pro bowl RB with 57 receptions in 2022 will get half the salary of a WR2 with 57 receptions in 2022.

Giants GM Joe Schoen said he had contract talks with franchise-tagged RB Saquon Barkley last week.
It's the first time the sides have talked since the Giants pulled their offer after assigning Barkley the franchise tag. There are rumors Barkley, who hasn't signed his tender, won't play for the Giants without a long-term deal. With Matt Breida returning behind Barkey, the Giants would have a thin depth chart if Barkley holds out. New York added Barkley insurance on Day 3 of the draft with fifth-round RB Eric Gray.
SOURCE: Sports Illustrated
May 5, 2023, 7:39 PM ET
FOX Sports' Ralph Vacchiano writes "it doesn't sound like a long-term deal for [Saquon] Barkley is particularly close."
"There's still a chance ... that the 26-year-old Barkley could be the Giants' primary running back for quite a few years," writes Vacchiano, "It's not a good chance, though." The former Giants beat believes fifth-round pick Eric Gray is a hedge against a future without Barkley, and that the Giants and Barkley may only strike a deal "if the unhappy Barkley's asking price comes down." We've had a steady supply of Barkley headlines this spring as an interested press corps asked about a new deal for him often, but rarely has anything said by Giants GM Joe Schoen appeared definitive that there'd be a new deal. Barkley reportedly won't sign the franchise tag, which means this could become a training camp holdout (or hold-in) at some point.
SOURCE: FOX Sports
May 9, 2023 at 2:13 PM ET
The Giants IMO are his best spot - he has the backfield to himself in a rising offense under Daboll. Anywhere else he might have to share more and/or be in a less productive offense.As us owners sit and twiddle our thumbs anxiously until August... let's assume a tag and trade scenario even if it's quite unlikely. What are the actual good landing spots now post-draft for Barkley? I realize he could go a lot of places and be a lead back, but what destination you think would really give him the most touches and best opportunity to boost his numbers? I wanted to say the Broncos with Payton, but their o-line is atrocious. KC feels like it would be a dream. Miami with those WRs pulling back the secondary opening up huge lanes?
That's really where I landed too after spending some of the offseason praying for a move to a new location. It feels like the Giants are finally on the up swing and that, if Barkley can stay healthy, he can really have a few more great years with them. He's always been a real high class and team oriented guy too, I just can't imagine him choosing to sit out. I'd also like the think the Giants want him enough to find a middle ground in paying him too.The Giants IMO are his best spot - he has the backfield to himself in a rising offense under Daboll. Anywhere else he might have to share more and/or be in a less productive offense.As us owners sit and twiddle our thumbs anxiously until August... let's assume a tag and trade scenario even if it's quite unlikely. What are the actual good landing spots now post-draft for Barkley? I realize he could go a lot of places and be a lead back, but what destination you think would really give him the most touches and best opportunity to boost his numbers? I wanted to say the Broncos with Payton, but their o-line is atrocious. KC feels like it would be a dream. Miami with those WRs pulling back the secondary opening up huge lanes?
Just have to hope this gets resolved sooner rather than later. I think Saquon and his agent will eventually cave and he’ll get a solid 2-3 year deal even if not CMC money.
I don't disagree the Giants may be his best spot, although I'd prefer to see him with a QB more willing to check the ball down (Houston?).That's really where I landed too after spending some of the offseason praying for a move to a new location. It feels like the Giants are finally on the up swing and that, if Barkley can stay healthy, he can really have a few more great years with them. He's always been a real high class and team oriented guy too, I just can't imagine him choosing to sit out. I'd also like the think the Giants want him enough to find a middle ground in paying him too.The Giants IMO are his best spot - he has the backfield to himself in a rising offense under Daboll. Anywhere else he might have to share more and/or be in a less productive offense.As us owners sit and twiddle our thumbs anxiously until August... let's assume a tag and trade scenario even if it's quite unlikely. What are the actual good landing spots now post-draft for Barkley? I realize he could go a lot of places and be a lead back, but what destination you think would really give him the most touches and best opportunity to boost his numbers? I wanted to say the Broncos with Payton, but their o-line is atrocious. KC feels like it would be a dream. Miami with those WRs pulling back the secondary opening up huge lanes?
Just have to hope this gets resolved sooner rather than later. I think Saquon and his agent will eventually cave and he’ll get a solid 2-3 year deal even if not CMC money.
I assume (hope) the Giants get a deal done with Barkley.
It's got to be difficult to know you're fighting a losing battle with regard to trying to get a 2nd RB contract, particularly after you just saw Daniel Jones secure $40M/year. This time last year, you likely bet $$ Jones isn't even on the roster now. Meanwhile, you return to form and really are the lynchpin that carries that offense...but
Yeah, unlike Lev Bell’s situation, Saquon isn’t dumb enough to pass up $10M.It's got to be difficult to know you're fighting a losing battle with regard to trying to get a 2nd RB contract, particularly after you just saw Daniel Jones secure $40M/year. This time last year, you likely bet $$ Jones isn't even on the roster now. Meanwhile, you return to form and really are the lynchpin that carries that offense...but
Ultimately, I think he signs because it's simply too easy to be a forgotten RB in this NFL.
not just that but my understanding of the CBA is that if he sits an entire season he wont accrue the year - I dont recall how many games he needs but he has to play at some point.Yeah, unlike Lev Bell’s situation, Saquon isn’t dumb enough to pass up $10M.It's got to be difficult to know you're fighting a losing battle with regard to trying to get a 2nd RB contract, particularly after you just saw Daniel Jones secure $40M/year. This time last year, you likely bet $$ Jones isn't even on the roster now. Meanwhile, you return to form and really are the lynchpin that carries that offense...but
Ultimately, I think he signs because it's simply too easy to be a forgotten RB in this NFL.
not just that but my understanding of the CBA is that if he sits an entire season he wont accrue the year - I dont recall how many games he needs but he has to play at some point.Yeah, unlike Lev Bell’s situation, Saquon isn’t dumb enough to pass up $10M.It's got to be difficult to know you're fighting a losing battle with regard to trying to get a 2nd RB contract, particularly after you just saw Daniel Jones secure $40M/year. This time last year, you likely bet $$ Jones isn't even on the roster now. Meanwhile, you return to form and really are the lynchpin that carries that offense...but
Ultimately, I think he signs because it's simply too easy to be a forgotten RB in this NFL.
Sucks to be a RB in the NFL. Must piss off guys like Barkley and Cook to be devalued while someone like OBJ gets 15 million. Hard to believe the Ravens think OBJ will be more valuable to them that getting a top RB to pair with Dobbins.It's got to be difficult to know you're fighting a losing battle with regard to trying to get a 2nd RB contract, particularly after you just saw Daniel Jones secure $40M/year. This time last year, you likely bet $$ Jones isn't even on the roster now. Meanwhile, you return to form and really are the lynchpin that carries that offense...but
Ultimately, I think he signs because it's simply too easy to be a forgotten RB in this NFL.
But, but, but, he’s easily replaceablesick that guys like him, that are expected to touch the ball 20+ times a game and given the salary of a kicker.
Yeah, at this point though every kid in high school and college who dreams of the NFL should know that RBs don’t get paid like other positions. It will be interesting to see how many elite athletes will choose to be RBs going forward.Sucks to be a RB in the NFL. Must piss off guys like Barkley and Cook to be devalued while someone like OBJ gets 15 million. Hard to believe the Ravens think OBJ will be more valuable to them that getting a top RB to pair with Dobbins.It's got to be difficult to know you're fighting a losing battle with regard to trying to get a 2nd RB contract, particularly after you just saw Daniel Jones secure $40M/year. This time last year, you likely bet $$ Jones isn't even on the roster now. Meanwhile, you return to form and really are the lynchpin that carries that offense...but
Ultimately, I think he signs because it's simply too easy to be a forgotten RB in this NFL.
“Mama don’t let you babies grow up to be running backs”.
Momma don’t let your babies grow up to be running backs.imaging knowing you gotta eat **** for 4yrs to make what a mediocre Jones will make in 1.
and you gotta take 50x the beating.
imaging knowing you gotta eat **** for 4yrs to make what a mediocre Jones will make in 1.
and you gotta take 50x the beating.
Top RBs might make it up in endorsements?imaging knowing you gotta eat **** for 4yrs to make what a mediocre Jones will make in 1.
and you gotta take 50x the beating.
NFL should find a way to better compensate the top RBs. People like watching elite runningback play, but the runningbacks people like watching will be no more if they are not better compensated IMHO.
Top RBs might make it up in endorsements?
It seems that QBs take up most of that pie as well. I mean I've seen mediocre QBs like Baker Mayfield and Jimmy G in commercials and can't remember ever seeing Barkley or CMc in any.Top RBs might make it up in endorsements?
The reason it fails is partially because it isn’t a free market (which you allude to via air quotes). RBs have their greatest value in years 1-4 (ish), but due to the NFL draft, RBs can’t access the free market in their prime earning years. Unless the NFL proactively addresses this (which it never will do under the “leadership” of inept Roger Goodell), at some point a lawsuit will successfully challenge the draft. Until then, RBs are screwed.Top RBs might make it up in endorsements?
I'm sure a select few do.
If I were the NFL commissioner I'd find a way for the ProBowl Caliber RBs to get more money. The NFL has plenty of money to make it happen.
This is a unique instance where the "Free market" fails a very specific type of athlete because of the punishment that is endured.
I recall Saquon having a chunky soup commercial. CMC was in some of the CPI (home security) commercials with some other Carolina Panthers but I don't remember any national commercials for CMC.It seems that QBs take up most of that pie as well. I mean I've seen mediocre QBs like Baker Mayfield and Jimmy G in commercials and can't remember ever seeing Barkley or CMc in any.Top RBs might make it up in endorsements?
That does sound familiar now - I do think QBs get the majority though.I recall Saquon having a chunky soup commercial.
Are you suggesting the NFL needs to do away with the draft? I think the best RBs can hope for is an increase in the slotted values, which was agreed on by the owners and the NFLPA. The unfortunate fact facing RBs is that championship teams don't need high priced studs at that position. They're a nice luxury, yes, and the fans love them. But a high priced RB becomes an anchor when trying to build a championship.The reason it fails is partially because it isn’t a free market (which you allude to via air quotes). RBs have their greatest value in years 1-4 (ish), but due to the NFL draft, RBs can’t access the free market in their prime earning years. Unless the NFL proactively addresses this (which it never will do under the “leadership” of inept Roger Goodell), at some point a lawsuit will successfully challenge the draft. Until then, RBs are screwed.
I’m not suggesting anything. Just being clinical about the root cause.Are you suggesting the NFL needs to do away with the draft? I think the best RBs can hope for is an increase in the slotted values, which was agreed on by the owners and the NFLPA. The unfortunate fact facing RBs is that championship teams don't need high priced studs at that position. They're a nice luxury, yes, and the fans love them. But a high priced RB becomes an anchor when trying to build a championship.The reason it fails is partially because it isn’t a free market (which you allude to via air quotes). RBs have their greatest value in years 1-4 (ish), but due to the NFL draft, RBs can’t access the free market in their prime earning years. Unless the NFL proactively addresses this (which it never will do under the “leadership” of inept Roger Goodell), at some point a lawsuit will successfully challenge the draft. Until then, RBs are screwed.
I think the root cause of RBs being generally underpaid is that the game has devalued them. Teams don't need a stud RB to win championships.I’m not suggesting anything. Just being clinical about the root cause.Are you suggesting the NFL needs to do away with the draft? I think the best RBs can hope for is an increase in the slotted values, which was agreed on by the owners and the NFLPA. The unfortunate fact facing RBs is that championship teams don't need high priced studs at that position. They're a nice luxury, yes, and the fans love them. But a high priced RB becomes an anchor when trying to build a championship.The reason it fails is partially because it isn’t a free market (which you allude to via air quotes). RBs have their greatest value in years 1-4 (ish), but due to the NFL draft, RBs can’t access the free market in their prime earning years. Unless the NFL proactively addresses this (which it never will do under the “leadership” of inept Roger Goodell), at some point a lawsuit will successfully challenge the draft. Until then, RBs are screwed.
It’s been said many times - it’s a passing league and RBs by and large don’t last long as big time contributors. Not surprising teams don’t want to pay up often for them.I think the root cause of RBs being generally underpaid is that the game has devalued them. Teams don't need a stud RB to win championships.I’m not suggesting anything. Just being clinical about the root cause.Are you suggesting the NFL needs to do away with the draft? I think the best RBs can hope for is an increase in the slotted values, which was agreed on by the owners and the NFLPA. The unfortunate fact facing RBs is that championship teams don't need high priced studs at that position. They're a nice luxury, yes, and the fans love them. But a high priced RB becomes an anchor when trying to build a championship.The reason it fails is partially because it isn’t a free market (which you allude to via air quotes). RBs have their greatest value in years 1-4 (ish), but due to the NFL draft, RBs can’t access the free market in their prime earning years. Unless the NFL proactively addresses this (which it never will do under the “leadership” of inept Roger Goodell), at some point a lawsuit will successfully challenge the draft. Until then, RBs are screwed.
That’s the root cause of them not getting a big 2nd contract. The root cause of not getting paid early is the NFL draft and rookie wage scales.I think the root cause of RBs being generally underpaid is that the game has devalued them. Teams don't need a stud RB to win championships.I’m not suggesting anything. Just being clinical about the root cause.Are you suggesting the NFL needs to do away with the draft? I think the best RBs can hope for is an increase in the slotted values, which was agreed on by the owners and the NFLPA. The unfortunate fact facing RBs is that championship teams don't need high priced studs at that position. They're a nice luxury, yes, and the fans love them. But a high priced RB becomes an anchor when trying to build a championship.The reason it fails is partially because it isn’t a free market (which you allude to via air quotes). RBs have their greatest value in years 1-4 (ish), but due to the NFL draft, RBs can’t access the free market in their prime earning years. Unless the NFL proactively addresses this (which it never will do under the “leadership” of inept Roger Goodell), at some point a lawsuit will successfully challenge the draft. Until then, RBs are screwed.