Report: 'No indications' of progress between Giants, Pro Bowl RB

The Giants want to reach a compromise with running back Saquon Barkley, but negotiations have stagnated.

"My gut feeling has always been that Barkley and the Giants will get something worked out, but there are no indications they have made any progress," wrote Daniel Duggan of The Athletic.

Barkley and the Giants remain gridlocked after he refused to sign the franchise tag in April (a one-year, $10.1M deal). He also reportedly rejected an offer worth up to $14M. 

New York and the 26-year-old RB have until July 17 to reach a new long-term deal. If they can't agree on a contract, Barkley must sign the franchise tag or sit out. 

"There's no chance he'll sit out the season," Duggan wrote.

Barkley wanting a long-term extension is understandable after he rushed for a career-high 1,312 yards and earned his second Pro Bowl nod. Yet he might have to accept that signing the franchise tag is his best option.

Running backs aren't cashing in this offseason. The Cowboys released three-time Pro Bowler Ezekiel Elliott, and he remains unsigned. Also, the Vikings may release or trade Dalvin Cook. So the market isn't going to shift in Barkley's favor.

Franchise tags are fully guaranteed, which could reward Barkley. If he plays on the tag in 2023 and New York re-tags him next offseason, Barkley would make $22M over the next two seasons.

"It would be impossible for him to turn down an offer with guarantees in that neighborhood," wrote Duggan.

While it's not his preferred option, Barkley should take it because it keeps him on the field and ends the lengthy process.