Saquon Barkley provided an update on his contract situation with the Giants on Sunday, and confirmed what many have expected for weeks: the star running back will remain away from the team until further notice.
In a statement shared by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Barkley, whom New York franchise tagged in March, announced he will not attend the team’s upcoming mandatory minicamp from June 13 to 15. The 26-year-old also confirmed he still does not plan to sign the $10.09 million tender and will continue discussing his contract with team brass until “there’s a deal that is fair to both sides.”
“As I have previously stated, I’m not looking to set any contract records,” he said. “I’m not demanding to be the highest paid player at my position. I understand the market. My goal is just to be compensated respectfully based on my contributions to the team on the field and in the locker room. I’ve been in talks with the Giants throughout the offseason. If at some point there’s a deal that is fair to both sides on the table, I’ll be ready to sign.”
Giants’ franchise RB Saquon Barkley confirmed after the Saquon Barkley Youth Football Camp in Jersey City, NJ today that he will not be at his team’s mandatory minicamp this week. Barkley still has not signed his franchise tender.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 12, 2023
His words: pic.twitter.com/O8nFQujZG0
Sunday’s update comes amid ongoing conversations surrounding a new deal for Barkley in the wake of the Giants inking franchise quarterback Daniel Jones to a lucrative four-year extension in March.
New York’s decision to extend Jones and tag the oft-injured back expectedly caused friction between the club and Barkley, who turned in a resurgent 2022 campaign.
With questions remaining about Barkley’s health, it remains to be seen how his contract talks shake out despite him seemingly back to his old self. In his first full season since his rookie year in 2018, Barkley rushed for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 57 receptions for 338 receiving yards.
