Saquon Barkley May Hold Out After Not Getting New Deal

Saquon Barkley May Hold Out After Not Getting New Deal

20 July, 2023

If the star running back couldn’t come to an agreement with the New York Giants over a new deal, Saquon Barkley considered sitting out the 2023 season as one of his choices.

Barkley spoke about the discussions leading up to Monday’s deadline for franchise-tagged players to agree to a new multi-year contract with teams in an interview for a podcast that was made available on that day. The 26-year-old repeatedly used an obscenity when he said that a holdout would disrespect the Giants and his teammates and reveal his true worth to them.

Barkley and the Giants, who made the playoffs for the first time since 2016 last season, were unable to come to terms on a new contract on Monday, so the former Penn State player will make $10.1 million this year.

Running backs are not being paid by NFL teams. That reflects the league’s pass-first philosophy.

The Giants reportedly offered a deal worth more than $12 million per year, but the two parties were unable to reach an agreement before the 4 p.m. deadline.

Barkley’s lone tweet in response to not landing a deal was, “It is what it is.”

Six days prior to the deadline, on July 11, during a recording of “The Money Matters” podcast, Barkley expressed optimism that he would be able to negotiate a new contract. He noted that his leverage would be to hold out, which he believed would be detrimental to the franchise and his teammates. After rushing for a career-high 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, he believed it would demonstrate to everyone how important he was to the team.

Anyone who is familiar with me understands that’s not something I want to do, said Barkley. “But is it something that I thought about? I never imagined doing that.” Jesus, I might have to take it to this level, I’m thinking as I reach this point. Am I ready and eager to go all the way? I’m not sure. I should take a seat and think about that. To chat to my family, I must take a seat. I need to talk to my staff, sit down, and properly strategize about this. Can’t just act on feelings.

Barkley stated that his only goal is to triumph and bring a championship to New York.

Barkley cannot be punished for missing reporting to training camp on Tuesday because he has not yet signed his franchise tender offer. While he is unable to achieve a multi-year agreement, the parties can nonetheless agree to a negotiated one-year contract for 2023.

Barkley may want to reconsider holding out as the last high profile RB to do so ruined his career and now openly admits it was a huge mistake. Take the $10M Saquon.