Owner could get involved in Giants' standoff with Pro Bowl RB?

Yet another individual thinks New York Giants co-owner John Mara could involve himself in the contract dispute between general manager Joe Schoen and running back Saquon Barkley.

Giants beat writer and NFL columnist Pat Leonard wrote for a piece published Friday that "it’s difficult to believe" Mara "would allow this standoff to reach a point of no return." 

Leonard offered his take less than a week after Barkley indicated he could decline to sign the franchise tag and remain away from the team through the start of regular-season play if he and the Giants don't come to terms on a long-term deal before the July 17 deadline for teams to sign tagged players. Multiple reporters have since scoffed at what they clearly think is an empty threat, but Leonard believes Mara won't jeopardize "the team’s ability to win and advance in 2023" as it pertains to Barkley's future. 

Interestingly, former agent and current CBS Sports NFL contracts and salary-cap expert Joel Corry suggested last month that Mara could essentially force Schoen to get a deal done with Barkley due to the star's overall importance to New York's offense coupled with his marketability. Leonard hinted Mara could reach a breaking point before the July 17 deadline comes and goes. 

"...It is well known that Mara values Barkley as the face of his franchise, not just as a major contributor on his team," Leonard wrote. "The club’s co-owner doesn’t want to lose that."

It's thought Barkley is looking to secure more than the $22.2M in approximate guaranteed money he'd earn playing on the franchise tag for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. Meanwhile, Fox Sports NFC East reporter Ralph Vacchiano said Wednesday that "the Giants are content to let Barkley play out the (upcoming) season on the tag" assuming he doesn't offer the club some kind of hometown discount. 

"Mara knows his fans still primarily are paying to see Barkley’s burst," Leonard continued. 

As things stand heading into the weekend, fans don't know the next time they'll see Barkley wear Giants colors for a team-related event or gathering.