How Giants' Saquon Barkley has responded to contract disappointment

Star running back Saquon Barkley seems dedicated to giving his all to the 2023 New York Giants even after he failed to secure a long-term contract this offseason. 

"He’s been great," Giants running backs coach Jeff Nixon recently said about Barkley's demeanor during practices, per Mollie Walker of the New York Post. "He’s one of the leaders on the team. He’s working his butt off. There hasn’t been anything alarming or anything else since he signed. He’s been back here. I know his teammates are excited."

Many within the NFL community voiced hot takes about the Giants' decision to sign quarterback Daniel Jones to a four-year deal in March that reportedly is worth up to $160M and that allowed the club to hold onto Barkley via the non-exclusive franchise tag. 

After months of negotiations that seemingly went nowhere, Barkley agreed to what is essentially an adjusted one-year tag worth up to $11M with incentives. 

Barkley reported on time for training camp and noted in July that sitting regular-season games out to protest the lack of a contract extension likely wouldn't have helped his cause as it pertains to possibly landing a deal down the road. 

While some suggested he could "hold in" by not fully participating in certain training-camp activities, the 26-year-old instead is preparing for the regular-season opener against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 10. 

"He’s been awesome to work with," Nixon added about Barkley. "Really good kid. Obviously, a great player, real leader for us on our football team. Him, along with a lot of the other running backs, they’re working their butts off and getting ready for the season."

Giants general manager Joe Schoen retained the right to use the franchise tag on Barkley this coming March, so the parties could be staring down yet another contract dispute that unofficially gets underway as soon as January. 

For now, Barkley is ready to prove his worth to Schoen and company as a ball-carrier, a deep threat in the passing attack and team captain.