Saquon Barkley contract discussions have been a major topic of conversation among NFL fans, analysts, and insiders alike. As one of the most explosive running backs in the league, Barkley’s future with the New York Giants has been closely scrutinized. His performance, injury history, and potential salary have all been key components in determining what kind of deal he might land. As of recent reports, Barkley has faced contract disputes with the Giants, but the big question remains: what is the value of a player like Saquon Barkley in the current NFL climate?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Saquon Barkley’s contract situation, explore the reasons behind his ongoing contract negotiations, and examine the implications for both Barkley and the Giants. From his previous contract history to the latest updates on his situation, we’ll provide a comprehensive breakdown. This will also cover how his performance, both on and off the field, impacts his current standing in contract talks, and the latest trends in NFL contract negotiations. So, let’s dive in and see what the future holds for Saquon Barkley.
Background of Saquon Barkley’s Contract History
When Saquon Barkley was selected second overall in the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, expectations were sky-high. The Giants were looking for a game-changing talent, and Barkley, coming off an outstanding career at Penn State, seemed like the perfect pick. He quickly lived up to the hype, making an immediate impact during his rookie season with over 2,000 yards from scrimmage, earning him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
As a first-round pick, Barkley signed a four-year, $31.2 million contract, which was fully guaranteed. This deal was one of the most lucrative rookie contracts for a running back at the time, reflecting both his talent and the Giants’ high hopes for him. The contract included a signing bonus of $20.2 million, which was part of the total amount, ensuring Barkley had financial security from the start of his professional career.
However, the original contract was always going to come to an end after the 2022 season, which is where things began to get complicated. As Barkley entered the final year of his rookie deal, the Giants faced a tough decision regarding whether or not to extend him or let him test free agency.
The 2023 Contract Dispute
As the 2023 NFL offseason approached, Saquon Barkley’s contract situation became one of the most talked-about topics in New York and the league in general. Barkley had proven that he was still one of the league’s elite running backs, even though his 2022 season had been marred by injuries early on. His performance had bounced back, especially in the second half of the season, when the Giants made a surprising playoff run.
In light of his strong performances, Barkley sought a contract extension, believing that his status as one of the best running backs in the league warranted it. However, the Giants were hesitant to offer him a long-term deal, particularly given the current NFL climate, where running backs have not been receiving the high-value contracts they once did. The Giants placed the franchise tag on Barkley, offering him a one-year, $10.1 million deal. While this move guaranteed Barkley a substantial amount of money for 2023, it also frustrated him, as he was hoping for a long-term commitment from the team.
The franchise tag was a significant point of contention during the offseason. Barkley, like many running backs in recent years, was advocating for a new contract that reflected his value to the team. He argued that as one of the most dynamic and versatile players in the NFL, he deserved more security and a larger financial commitment.
The Franchise Tag vs. Long-Term Deals
The issue of the franchise tag is a significant one for running backs like Saquon Barkley. Over the past few years, running backs in the NFL have faced challenges in securing long-term deals that reflect their value to their teams. The franchise tag system provides teams with a way to retain their top players for one season at a time, but it also limits a player’s financial upside in the long term.
In Barkley’s case, the $10.1 million he was offered for 2023 was a substantial sum, but it paled in comparison to the contracts that top quarterbacks and other position players were receiving. Barkley was also coming off a year where he had been one of the Giants’ most crucial players, particularly in their playoff run. Despite his immense contribution to the team’s success, the Giants seemed reluctant to offer him a multi-year deal that would lock him in for the future.
This trend is not isolated to Barkley; many other top running backs have faced similar challenges in recent years. Ezekiel Elliott, for example, was once one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL, but his contract disputes with the Cowboys highlighted the broader issue within the league regarding the value of running backs. The shift away from high-paying contracts for running backs has become a growing trend in the NFL, with teams increasingly relying on committee approaches or looking for cheaper options through the draft.
Why Running Backs Aren’t Getting Paid
The decline in the value of running backs in the NFL is a complex issue, influenced by several key factors. First, the position of running back has become less of a focal point for many NFL teams. With the rise of pass-heavy offenses, teams are often prioritizing the passing game over the running game, reducing the overall demand for top-tier running backs. As a result, running backs like Saquon Barkley have struggled to land long-term contracts that match their talent.
Second, the wear and tear on running backs is a major factor in why teams are hesitant to commit large sums of money to them. Running backs, on average, have shorter careers than players at other positions due to the physical demands of the job. This means that teams are reluctant to invest heavily in a player who may only have a few peak years before they start to decline, either due to injury or a decrease in performance.
Additionally, the increased use of running back by committees has contributed to the reduced value of individual running backs. Teams are no longer relying on one feature back to carry the load, instead opting for a group of backs who can split the workload. This has allowed teams to draft running backs on cheaper contracts or sign free agents at a lower cost, further driving down the financial value of the position.
Saquon Barkley’s Future in New York
Despite the current contract issues, Saquon Barkley’s future with the New York Giants is far from certain. While the franchise tag ensures he will remain with the team for the 2023 season, it’s unclear what the long-term future holds. If Barkley performs well in 2023, he could still be in line for a multi-year deal, either from the Giants or another team.
One of the main factors in Barkley’s future will be his performance in 2023. If he stays healthy and delivers another strong season, the Giants could be more inclined to offer him a more lucrative contract extension. However, the team will also need to consider the financial implications of such a move, as they have already made significant investments in other players and will need to manage their salary cap carefully.
Furthermore, the Giants may look to build their offense around quarterback Daniel Jones, who has shown improvement under head coach Brian Daboll. If Jones continues to progress, the team could prioritize upgrading other areas of the roster, leaving less money available for Barkley.
Wrapping Up
The Saquon Barkley contract situation is a significant moment in both the player’s career and the overall landscape of the NFL. Barkley is one of the most talented running backs in the league, and his impact on the Giants’ offense is undeniable. However, the broader trend in the NFL of undervaluing running backs has made it more difficult for Barkley to secure the type of long-term deal he desires.
As the 2023 season progresses, all eyes will be on Barkley’s performance. If he stays healthy and continues to produce at a high level, the Giants could eventually offer him the contract he’s seeking. However, the trend of running backs being underpaid compared to other positions could also mean that Barkley may need to adjust his expectations for what he can command on the open market.
For now, Barkley remains one of the most exciting and dynamic players in the NFL, but his contract situation has become emblematic of a larger issue in the league. Running backs, once considered the focal point of many teams’ offenses, are now finding it increasingly difficult to secure long-term financial security. Whether or not Barkley will break the trend remains to be seen, but his situation serves as a microcosm of the challenges facing NFL running backs today.
FAQs
What Is Saquon Barkley’s Current Contract?
Saquon Barkley, the standout running back for the New York Giants, has been one of the most dynamic players in the NFL since being drafted in 2018. His contract has been a point of interest for fans and analysts alike. As of 2025, Barkley is playing under the franchise tag after negotiations for a long-term extension did not materialize.
Why Did Saquon Barkley Sign a Franchise Tag?
In 2023, Barkley and the Giants failed to reach an agreement on a long-term deal, which led to Barkley being tagged as the team’s franchise player. This means he will earn a one-year salary based on the average of the top five highest-paid players at his position. While a franchise tag guarantees Barkley a hefty paycheck, it also limits his long-term security.
How Much Is Saquon Barkley Earning on the Franchise Tag?
Under the franchise tag, Barkley is expected to earn approximately $10.1 million for the 2023 season. This figure reflects his status as one of the top running backs in the league. However, since the tag is a one-year contract, both Barkley and the Giants face the prospect of negotiating again in the following year.
What Is Saquon Barkley’s Future Contract Outlook?
Barkley’s future in New York is uncertain, as both the player and the team have expressed interest in a new deal. However, the Giants have been cautious with their offers, considering Barkley’s injury history and the league’s evolving views on running back contracts. A new deal could come after the 2023 season, depending on Barkley’s performance and the team’s financial situation.
