After a long standoff between the two sides, the New York Giants and running back Saquon Barkley have agreed to terms on a one-year deal.
Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Barkley can earn up to $11 million with the deal, which includes $910,000 in incentives to get there, according to MMQB’s Albert Breer. Also included is a $2 million signing bonus.
Thus, the base value of Barkley’s pact is the same as the franchise tag.
While this puts the situation to bed for now, there’s a chance we’ll be back in the same boat once again in 2024, as NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports there’s no provision in Barkley’s deal preventing the Giants from franchise tagging him next offseason.
But we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.
For now, Barkley will report to training camp and the Giants can focus on their preparation for the 2023 campaign rather than having to worry if the star running back will actually be there.
Here’s a look at how Twitter reacted.
So all it took to get Barkley to camp was an additional $909K in incentives. https://t.co/6SYeSAi7qQ
— Kevin Patra (@kpatra) July 25, 2023
What Saquon Barkley was supposed to play on:
– Could skip camp
– $10.1M earnings (no signing bonus)
– $0 incentivesWhat Saquon Barkley agreed to today:
– Will report to camp
– $10.1M earnings ($2M via signing bonus)
– $909K in incentives
– Max he could make $11M pic.twitter.com/dlUv5gwt0E— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 25, 2023
Obviously not ideal for Saquon Barkley, but gives him a shot at close to an extra million over the tag and allows for everyone to move forward. https://t.co/DKQopmn52C
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 25, 2023
You have to respect Saquon Barkley swallowing his pride signing this deal.
Feel like there has to be some sort of promise or clause that he won’t be franchise tagged next season. Let’s win some games. I’m
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) July 25, 2023
it's OVER!!!! Giants, Saquon Barkley agree to terms on one-year deal https://t.co/rvQb1pwaa0 via @thegiantswire
— Fennelly on Football (@John_Fennelly) July 25, 2023
Saquon Barkley Drafters and Dynasty Managers this morning pic.twitter.com/HzyeghHFDW
— TheOGfantasyfootball (@TheOGfantasy) July 25, 2023
The Giants deal with Saquon Barkley is such an easy "give."
They add incentives and pay $2M of the $10M salary a couple months earlier than scheduled.
Continuing the theme, the RB market is so depressed that these little crumbs are somehow considered a good deal for Barkley.— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) July 25, 2023
The Giants and Saquon Barkley have agreed to a 1 year $11 million deal with a $2 million signing bonus. Saquon beats the tag, and most importantly, WILL REPORT TO TRAINING CAMP. Great outcome for both sides considering where we were last week. Big season coming from 26.
— NYG_PETE (@nyg_pete) July 25, 2023
Shocking news regarding Saquon Barkley, but this is a win-win for both sides.
The #Giants get their star RB and locker room leader back for training camp.
Barkley gets to play on a more lucrative one-year deal and prove his value.
Didn’t see this coming. #NYGiants
— Anthony Rivardo (@Anthony_Rivardo) July 25, 2023
This is the dumbest conclusion to the dumbest contract squabble in NFL history. https://t.co/xDqlzRmru5
— Mike Tanier (@MikeTanier) July 25, 2023
Even after signing this one-year deal, the #Giants and Saquon Barkley cannot begin talks on a long-term contract until after this season, source confirms, because he was originally tagged.
— Matt Lombardo 🏈 (@MattLombardoNFL) July 25, 2023
The #Giants are the BIG winners in this deal with Saquon Barkley.
Barkley will be on the field in 2023 for #NYG and the Giants can tag him after the season still. #nfl #NFLTwitter pic.twitter.com/deqSl7aG9B
— 366 Sports (@366Sports) July 25, 2023
Austin Ekeler got $2 mil in incentives added to his contract to stay in Los Angeles
Saquon Barkley agreed to a deal *worth up to* $11 mil (tag is $10.1 mil max) with a $2 mil signing bonus
Expect something similar for Josh Jacobs
Temporary solutions in a difficult RB market
— Colin McTamany (@Colin_McT) July 25, 2023