When the New York Giants and Saquon Barkley failed to reach an agreement on a multi-season extension ahead of Monday’s deadline, it was clear that Barkley was serious about a holdout.
And judging from Barkley’s recent remarks, the Giants could be without their star running back for the foreseeable future.
Barkley didn’t sign his franchise tender, which would have him play on a one-year, $10 million contract this season, and didn’t report to Tuesday’s start of camp for rookies and select veterans. Holdouts happen to almost every team at the start of camp, but Barkley feels that he has undeniable leverage in this contract dispute as a transformative star for a playoff team.
In an appearance on The Money Matters Podcast — which was taped before the contract talks collapsed — Barkley said that he could hold out for the entire season if he needed to. Barkley did add that he would never want it to get to that point, but he’d be willing to do what it takes to show his worth. (Warning: NSFW language)
Update: Saquon Barkley explains his leverage on the #Giants – 'F**k You'
"My leverage is I could say, 'F–k you' to the Giants, I could say, 'F–k you to my teammates,'"
"And be like, 'You want me to show you my worth? You want me to show you how valuable I am to the team? I… pic.twitter.com/py0VB9fdpO
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 19, 2023
Barkley said:
“My leverage is I could say, ‘(Expletive) you’ to the Giants, I could say, ‘(Expletive) you to my teammates. And be like, ‘You want me to show you my worth? You want me to show you how valuable I am to the team? I won’t show up. I won’t play a down.’ And that’s a play I could use.'”
Barkley was one of several star running backs (along with w and Tony Pollard) who failed to reach contract extensions. A long holdout is a risky play given how teams find value at running back without necessarily needing a superstar back there. But these latest Barkley comments didn’t have fans feeling optimistic about a resolution in the near future.
This was how Twitter reacted
I don’t think Saquon sits for the year. He wouldn’t do that to his teammates, but the Giants really want to start the season this way? With these vibes? 😬 https://t.co/DvmOJlRRf2
— Shannon (@ShannonAlgarin) July 19, 2023
Man if Saquon isn't a giant they're DONE https://t.co/ET9cb51dnC
— Lord Brunson tweets (@lord_brunson) July 19, 2023
I understand Cowboys not paying Pollard.. he has more to prove. Saquon and Josh Jacobs not getting a bag is CRIMINAL. https://t.co/B5rH5AGK92
— Kemaad Jones (@_JonesWorld) July 19, 2023
This is sad. From day 1 bro has been a class act, gave the organization is all, bounced back from injury and had another dominant season and this is how they treat him. I’d take Saquon Barkley on my team at the snap of a finger. https://t.co/0cct9AXNJu
— The 4 Man Rush (@4ourmanrush) July 19, 2023
Saquon Barkley accounted for 1,650 of the Giants' 5,392 total yards in the 16 games he played last season.
That's 30.6%. https://t.co/Q7HQz4aD3u
— Connor Allen (@ConnorAllenNFL) July 19, 2023
How’d that work for Le’Veon Bell? https://t.co/xAugK27yGh
— Rob “Stats” Guerrera (@StatsOnFire) July 19, 2023
He shouldn’t play tbh. At least it’ll provide the league and players with clarity on the value of RBs(some of them at least). Either Giants go back to the playoffs or they go back to mediocrity. Didn’t really work out for Le’Veon Bell, but hey…they can try again I guess. https://t.co/rNa7VLzjFb
— Arrowhead Live (@ArrowheadLive) July 19, 2023
Saquon after holding out a year https://t.co/zdQ44pnd5A pic.twitter.com/zzpIyLPdcK
— KDGYT 🧀🦌 (@Official414) July 19, 2023
I can't say what I would do because I'm not Saquon, but I respect all of this because we need a real tailback market if I'm helping my team get to the playoffs while getting hit in my knees. https://t.co/O8DWa8t4HN
— Trevor Trout (@totaltroutmove) July 19, 2023
Not sure what they can do. If they sit out, there are plenty who will jump at the opportunity. It’s a tough situation and I hate it for them but it’s just where the league is at right now. https://t.co/k7ALL6ljdz
— FitzMagic🍀 (@CheapSeats411) July 19, 2023
Yup.
And he’s not the first RB in this situation, and he CERTAINLY won’t be the last.
The NFL doesn’t value RB’s currently. It’s not going to change anytime soon… https://t.co/9Ye3dmiWJf
— Philly Sports – Love & Pain (@PHLSportsPain) July 19, 2023
This is actually a really thoughtful and relatable response. Man just wants to be fairly compensated for his work. https://t.co/UDtozFkN1M
— Patrick Sheldon (@P_Shels) July 19, 2023
