Before Re-signing With Giants for 2023 NFL Season, Saquon Barkley ‘had an Epiphany’ During Training Camp

Saquon Barkley’s return to the New York Giants was a reflection of his true feelings.

After failing long-term contract negotiations during the winter, the veteran running back agreed to a one-year, incentive-laden deal to return to the Giants.

The move was a surprising turn in the offseason drama of running back value, especially in light of rumors that Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders is holding out.

“I suddenly realized… Barkley stated of his contract, “I kind of just followed my heart.” “I thought it was the smartest thing to do from a business standpoint.

Sitting out or sitting in may be something that people have different opinions about. The best thing I could do for myself this year, though, is to get back on the field and resume playing the sport I love so much in service to my teammates.

The Giants could benefit greatly from having Barkley in attendance at training camp.

With 1,650 all-purpose yards and 10 rushing scores, he was seventh on the team last year. Because of him, quarterback Daniel Jones was able to secure a massive contract worth $160 million over the course of four years.

Despite having a good year, Barkley’s future in New York was uncertain because he was assigned the franchise tag and failed to reach an extension with the organization by the July 17 deadline.

Barkley considered waiting out the season before signing his new contract, but he also said he would never actually do it.

Barkley’s recent contract solidified that outlook. In addition to the $2 million signing bonus, ESPN and USA Today Sports report that $900,000 in incentives were built into the one-year deal based on rushing yards, touchdowns, receptions, and the Giants’ postseason success.

The Giants’ ability to franchise tag Barkley in the offseason of 2019 was, however, preserved.

The running back community has been discussing their worth in the league for the past few weeks, so this is a major shift in the conversation.

A handful of top players raged on social media and then set up a group text chain and a Zoom call to discuss a solution.

But Barkley has a straightforward answer to this dilemma: Show it off in action.

“Obviously, I am aware of the running back situation, my being tagged, and the continuing decline in the value of the running back,” he continued.

In my opinion, change will only come about if someone actively works to bring it about. If the Lord wills it, I’ll be able to accomplish that on the field.

The Giants expect Barkley to build on the success he had in Brian Daboll’s first season as head coach (2022).

New York relied on Barkley’s legs and arms to help them reach the playoffs, and they’ll need him to continue to improve on a great season if they hope to challenge division rivals Philadelphia and Dallas.

What happens after that is up for discussion between the Giants and Barkley during the offseason of 2024.

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