For almost the entire offseason, New York Giants fans were on pins and needles as the organization continued to play hardball with star running back Saquon Barkley.
Barkley was up for a contract extension and was due a handsome raise after a successful 2022 season that resulted in a Wild Card appearance for the Giants.
However, New York was unwilling to hand Barkley the lucrative deal he was looking forward to, and he held out from the team as a result.
Eventually, the running back agreed to a one-year deal that is worth up to $11 million, a number slightly above the franchise tag that the Giants extended him.
Although it’s not the deal he wanted, Barkley will be back with New York which should give the team some more optimism that they can improve on last year.
As far as his other goals in the league, Barkley wants to show that his position group still matters via Inside the NFL.
“Show them that the running back position is still here, and here to stay,” Barkley said.
"Show them that the running back position is still here, and here to stay."@Saquon and @RealRClark25 broke down the season ahead, and the future outlook for RBs on #InsideTheNFL pic.twitter.com/fLiWXy8sQz
— Inside the NFL (@insidetheNFL) September 6, 2023
The running back market has cooled off in recent years as teams decided to invest in other positions on their rosters.
Even if a team like the Giants have a superstar like Barkley leading the backfield, there is still going to be hesitation in handing them long-term money.
Although Barkley and his peers were unable to secure massive paydays this offseason, they’ll have an opportunity to prove to the NFL that they deserve more money.
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