What it might cost Giants to re-sign pending free-agent RB Saquon Barkley
After two consecutive disappointing seasons, Giants running back Saquon Barkley reminded critics this season how dangerous he can be. In 2022, he rushed for 1,312 yards (4.4 yards a carry) and 10 touchdowns -- his best season since his rookie year in 2018.
But is the pending free agent worth a lucrative, long-term deal? Is any running back? Organizations find gems in late rounds for a fraction of what Barkley has been paid with the Giants since 2018.
But Barkley is probably the exception to the rule.
After New York's embarrasing playoff exit against the Eagles, Barkley said he wants to return to New York.
At the Giants' season-ending news conference, first-year general manager Joe Schoen called Barkley a "good player" and said he's interested in bringing him back:
During New York's bye week, Barkley's representation and Schoen met to hammer out a deal. The talks hit a snag, per longtime Giants reporter Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports:
Barkley doesn't want to reset the market, but he probably won't agree to a hometown discount either.
If the Giants are to keep Barkley around long term, they most likely have to offer a deal in $14M-$16M range annually.
History shows that few teams find major success with running backs after signing them to huge deals. With a roster already slim on talent, New York might not have a choice.
As respected New York Post columnist Ian O'Connor recently wrote: "Saquon Barkley is a very good football player, and the Giants do not have nearly enough of those. In fact, they have three men on the roster with the talent to be the best in the world at what they do. Barkley is one. Dexter Lawrence and Andrew Thomas are the others."
Bottom line: Expect a deal to get done.
More must-reads: