The New York Giants and running back Saquon Barkley engaged in contract extension talks during the team’s Week 9 bye but were unable to come to an agreement.
General manager Joe Schoen reportedly offered Barkley more than $12 million per season, but that offer was turned down. The superstar back was seeking significantly more.
Buy Giants TicketsBarkley, who insists he’s not aiming to reset the market, is still looking for top value. That’s in the range of $16 million per season and a bit too rich for the Giants’ blood.
The good news? There’s hope that the two sides can meet in the middle.
ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reports that there’s a growing belief the Giants and Barkley may settle on a deal that pays an average of $14 million annually.
The belief is if the two sides meet at $14 million per year, a deal could get done, a source close to the negotiations told ESPN recently.
But the Giants may still be reluctant to go that high. At least for now.
The franchise tag value for a running back is a fully guaranteed $10.1 million in 2023. The Giants could always fall back on that if negotiations linger heading into the new league year.
The franchise tag window opens on Tuesday, February 21 and closes on Tuesday, March 7.
