25 July 2023 , 11:31
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The New York Giants have received a huge boost after star running back Saquon Barkley signed a new contract, ending uncertainty over his future.
Barkley had been franchise tagged by the Giants for the 2023 season, but talks over a long-term extension broke down at the July 17 deadline, leaving the 26-year-old threatening to hold out and not take part in training camp or the upcoming season.
However, Barkley and the Giants have agreed to a surprise one-year deal worth up to $11million, including a $2m signing bonus, which guarantees Barkley's attendance at training camp when it begins for veterans later today (Tuesday).
Barkley could not sign a long-term contract due to the franchise tag deadline passing, but the one-year deal means he has the chance to earn more than the $10.1m guaranteed he would have earned from the franchise tender.
The move represents a welcome compromise between the player and the Giants, who are targeting a return to the playoffs after reaching the divisional round last season under impressive first-year head coach Brian Daboll.
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Barkley and the team had reached an impasse after months of contract talks, with the player seeking more guaranteed money over the course of a three-year deal, and the former number-two overall pick intended to skip training camp.
But Tuesday's agreement, which was first reported by NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport, puts concerns over Barkley's long-term future to bed until the end of the season, when the parties will be permitted to recommence negotiations.
Saquon Barkley's new contract – and attendance at training camp – is a huge boost to the Giants. (Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)And Barkley's decision to sign is a significant signal of his intent, showing he is hugely motivated to be on the field when the season begins in September as the Giants embark on another bid for the post-season.
The news is a huge boost to Daboll and his roster at "Big Blue". Barkley has been among the NFL's most dynamic playmakers since entering the league in 2018.
And after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in 2020, Barkley hit career-best form last season with 1,312 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
That form earned the 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year his second Pro Bowl selection, and his partnership with quarterback Daniel Jones will be vital to the Giants' prospect when the new campaign kicks off.
Barkley had threatened to hold out on The Money Matters podcast last week. He said: "My leverage is I could say, 'f*** you' to the Giants, I could say, 'f*** you to my teammates’.
"And be like, 'You want me to show you my worth? You want me to show you how valuable I am to the team? I won't show up. I won't play a down.' And that's a play I could use.