Giants' Daniel Jones talks his, Saquon Barkley contract situations

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones realizes his signing a new contract this past March let general manager Joe Schoen avoid making a long-term commitment to star running back Saquon Barkley. 

"I understood the situation and that they could only tag one player, and the other needed to figure out a contract or hit free agency," Jones said during a Monday morning appearance on the WFAN "Boomer and Gio" show, per Ryan Chichester of Audacy. "I understood that part of it, and it’s tough as a close friend and a teammate. The guy means a ton to the team. But I’m glad they eventually figured something out." 

Schoen declined the fifth-year option attached to Jones' rookie contract following the 2021 campaign and then watched as the signal-caller and Barkley emerged as co-offensive most valuable players for what became a playoff team. 

With both talents set to hit free agency in March, the Giants and Jones agreed to a last-minute four-year contract that reportedly could be worth up to $160M. That deal let Schoen retain Barkley's rights for 2023 via the non-exclusive franchise tag, and the 26-year-old eventually signed an adjusted one-year contract that doesn't prevent Schoen from using the tag on the ball-carrier again in March 2024. 

"It’s a tough situation," Jones continued about Barkley. "I certainly feel for him…but the way he’s handled the situation has been extremely impressive. I have a ton of respect for him." 

Barkley ultimately reported on time for training camp last month and apparently could be utilized as a deep threat in the passing attack this coming fall differently than what fans saw last season under head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. 

Even if Barkley earns his first career All-Pro nod this coming winter, that likely wouldn't improve the market for veteran running backs in a system that essentially rewards executives such as Schoen for routinely finding cheaper options at what's become a devalued position.