If there ever was a player who personified the New York Giants — both on and off the field — one could argue that it would be running back Saquon Barkley.
The five-year veteran, who was selected second overall out of Penn State by the Giants back in 2018, has been a fan favorite as well as a league-wide star.
Barkley, unfortunately, is currently the victim of some poor circumstances at the moment that has pitted him against the team in a contract squabble.
There is little doubt that the differences between the two sides will be smoothed over and Barkley will be back in time to start the regular season, but that still feels like a long way off.
Former NFL veteran running back James White, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots turned radio host, believes Barkley and the Giants are the ultimate fit.
"He's like THE New York Giant, in my opinion."
James White (@SweetFeet_White) says the Giants need to get a contract done with Saquon Barkley #Giants | #NYGiants pic.twitter.com/Zk1jj8LP9v
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) June 26, 2023
“They need Saquon this year. In order for them to make another playoff push they need him on the roster,” White said. “He made up 29% of their total offense last year and that run game was a big part of why they won a lot of football games between him and Daniel Jones.
“They’re going to be heavily reliant on running the football and Saquon Barkley is going to be a big reason why Daniel Jones is able to have some success in the passing game. So they have to figure it out. They have to come to some conclusion; find some middle ground. . . He’s the face of the franchise. He’s the New York Giant in my opinion.”
The two sides are not far apart on a new contract. Barkley was assigned the franchise tag earlier this offseason, worth $10.1 million for one season. He is seeking a deal that will pay him around $2 to $4 million more than that per annum but for multiple years.
The hang-up, or so it appears, is the amount of guaranteed money over the first two seasons.
