The New York Giants placed the franchise tag on running-back Saquon Barkley this offseason and the 26-year-old has opened up about where he stands with the organisation.
It was always going to be either quarterback Daniel Jones or Barkley that got hit with the tag this offseason, with the other landing a new deal before the deadline. It was Jones that saw himself sign a new four-year $160million (£128.75m) deal, while Barkley was tagged to buy the Giants some more time.
The Giants and Barkley have until July 17 to negotiate a new deal, or the running-back will be contracted to $10.091m (£8.1m) for the 2023 season. Barkley is of course hoping to sign new and improved terms after a stunning season, but he isn't too concerned just yet.
Barkley is reportedly happy at the Giants, and after re-signing Jones they could be on for another good season after being one of the surprise packages in 2022. But no player enjoys being tagged without a new deal following, especially when seeing those in the same position around the league being rewarded.
Jones and Barkley are the Giants' two biggest stars, and although a running back is never going to get quarterback-type money, he'll certainly want to enjoy a nice pay day. "Where do I stand with the Giants right now? It’s like what someone said the other day . . . it’s still April," Barkley said, via Keith Groller of The Morning Call.
"I haven’t had conversations with Joe (Schoen) too much. So the best way I can handle it is to keep working. Whatever happens, happens. There are things I can’t really control right now.
"All I can control is how I will wake up every morning and stay with my goals and my passion. Even though I may not be with the team right now and not in the building, I don’t think anyone with the Giants is concerned about my work ethic and my teammates aren’t worried about how I’m preparing."
And Barkley is preparing to step up his game even further than last season, as he promised there's more to come. "I was able to prove to not only myself, but to everyone that the player is still there and now I feel I’m young still at 26 and I’m just starting to get into my prime," Barkley added. "There’s still a version of 26 that a lot of people haven’t seen."
Barkley scored 10 touchdowns last season, one shy of his standout 11 touchdowns scored during his rookie year. It was an injury-free season for the 26-year-old, and he'll be looking to stay fit and jump to the next level.
