Reporter reveals why Giants, Saquon Barkley haven't signed deal

There's more information about why the New York Giants and star running back Saquon Barkley have no agreement ahead of Monday's deadline for teams to sign franchise-tagged players.

On Thursday afternoon, NFL reporter Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post tweeted that the Giants' "best offer" to Barkley "so far included $19.5M guaranteed, per sources." Dunleavy shared this update less than 24 hours after it was said New York had a proposal on the table back in March worth $13M per year and $26M over the contract's first two seasons. 

The Giants reportedly pulled that offer after they signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a four-year deal and then used the non-exclusive franchise tag to retain Barkley's rights for 2023 on March 7. 

"No deal to be done that low," an independent agent told Dunleavy about the $19.5M in guarantees. 

To compare, Barkley is on track to make $10.091M on the franchise tag for 2023 and allegedly is looking for more than $22.22M in total guarantees that he would earn via franchise tags for the next two seasons. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported Wednesday that Barkley's camp wanted "roughly $16M per year" during talks held earlier this offseason, but it's unclear if that's still the case heading into Monday's deadline. 

While ESPN NFL insider Dianna Russini said Wednesday that Barkley could threaten to keep his tag unsigned and stay away from the Giants through their Week 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 10, a plethora of knowledgeable individuals have made it known such a move wouldn't achieve much considering the 26-year-old can't sign a long-term deal with any team after Monday until 2024. 

Barkley could, however, continue working out away from the Giants through training camp and the preseason in an attempt to earn more than $10.091M for 2023 or/and to convince the club to put it in writing it won't use a second tag to hold onto him next year.