Reporter scoffs at perceived threat from Saquon Barkley

NFL reporter and analyst Darryl Slater of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com responded to New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley seemingly threatening to hold out through the start of the regular season. 

"That idea remains foolish, laughable and ultimately highly unlikely," Slater wrote. 

Slater offered his opinion after Barkley indicated that sitting out a portion of the 2023 season "comes up in the conversation" if the two sides don't come to terms on a long-term agreement before the July 17 non-exclusive franchise tag deadline. While it's been reported Barkley's camp rejected a multi-year contract worth around $13M per year that also included incentives, he said Sunday that his "goal is just to be compensated respectfully." 

Slater pointed out that "Barkley’s agent, Kim Miale, surely would have leaked those guaranteed money figures" had the Giants "truly lowballed" the second overall pick from the 2018 NFL Draft in discussions. Slater added that Barkley and Miale "overestimated the running back market," a take that has been repeated throughout this saga. 

Just last week, retired quarterback and current analyst Chris Simms said Barkley is having "the toughest conversation in the sport right now" regarding how running backs are valued in the modern NFL.

"The running back market cratered this offseason, when Giants general manager Joe Schoen was able to franchise tag Barkley (and destroy his leverage) after signing quarterback Daniel Jones," Slater continued. "Barkley needs to realize this — and just take what he can get now" or play on the $10.091M franchise tender for 2023. 

Slater also mentioned that "Barkley skipping the season makes no sense" because there's no sign doing so would help his cause as it pertains to becoming a free agent in 2024. Fair or not, a majority of teams aren't changing their minds about what they're willing to pay ball carriers anytime soon. 

Barkley hasn't signed the franchise tag and, thus, is ineligible to participate in this week’s mandatory minicamp. Even if he stays away from the club through the start of preseason action, the harsh truth remains he can either offer the Giants a discount to guarantee himself money beyond the upcoming season, play on the franchise tag, or sit meaningful games out and forfeit cash for reasons mostly related to pride and not much else.