(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
New York Giants stellar running back Saquon Barkley is in the middle of a contract dispute with the team that could prompt him to make a big decision.
After a bounce-back campaign with the Big Blue, the running back has yet to reach a long-term agreement with the Giants.
The deadline is July 17, and if they can’t come to an agreement after that date, Barkley will play under the $10.1 million franchise tag.
The Penn State product is considering all his options, which include sitting out for the entire 2023 NFL season.
“I think that’s a conversation,” Barkley stated. “Like you said, that’s a card I could play. That comes up in conversation if something don’t get done by July 17. … We got a little bit of time in between there. When that date comes up, then I’ll have to sit down with my team, sit down with my family and make decisions. See what we’re going to do. What’s the next game plan? What’s the next move?”
Frustrated Giants RB Saquon Barkley doesn’t rule out sitting out for 2023 seasonhttps://t.co/IC0W61Tgwd pic.twitter.com/N8Vyx2iJgo
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) June 12, 2023
Upon his arrival in the league, Barkley was considered one of the best at his position, and his rookie season showed that he could do big things with the Giants.
After two seasons full of injuries, the 26-year-old was close to reaching his best again, rushing for 1,312 yards and ten touchdowns on a career-high 295 attempts.
Barkley earned Pro Bowl honors for the second time in his career and the first one since his rookie season.
He already announced he wouldn’t be part of the Giants minicamp this week, and if this situation doesn’t get any better, he won’t be a part of the team’s season at all.
This is a big decision for Barkley, who can demand a big contract somewhere else, but sitting out an entire season could be counterproductive.
New York has something going on right now, but having Barkley ready to go is mandatory to having success this season.
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