Both parties are engaged in talks to determine the specific terms and conditions related to Barkley’s compensation, including factors such as salary, bonuses, and potential incentives. The negotiation process aims to reach an agreement that satisfies both the Giants’ financial considerations and Barkley’s value as a talented player. However, Barkley’s main priority is the amount of money guaranteed in the contract. The best offer made by the Giants so far includes $19.5 million in guaranteed money, but Barkley is hoping for a higher amount and is thus delaying acceptance of the contract.
It’s worth noting that Barkley is feeling the pressure of a tough running back market, where players often struggle to secure large guaranteed contracts. This is in contrast to quarterbacks, who have more negotiating power and are often able to secure lucrative deals. Giants quarterback Daniel Jones recently signed a four-year contract worth $160 million, and his successful negotiations may have influenced Barkley’s decision to change agents.
Barkley recently added Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to his negotiating team, alongside Roc Nation. While this move hasn’t yet resulted in significant progress in the negotiations, it demonstrates Barkley’s determination to secure a favorable contract. However, time is running out for Barkley, as the deadline for signing a multiyear deal is approaching rapidly. If no agreement is reached by the deadline, Barkley will be forced to play on the franchise tag or choose to sit out the season, following in the footsteps of Le’Veon Bell in 2018.
The New York Giants have decided to apply the franchise tag on Saquon Barkley for the upcoming 2023 season. This designation ensures that Barkley will receive a guaranteed salary of $10.1 million if he signs the tender offered by the team. However, this amount serves as a starting point for negotiations, and Barkley may seek a higher guaranteed sum.
If the New York Giants choose to utilize the franchise tag on Saquon Barkley in 2024, the value assigned to the tag would be $12.1 million. This amount signifies the minimum offer the team must make to retain Barkley for another season under the franchise tag. Nevertheless, it’s worth noting that discussions and negotiations between Barkley and the Giants could potentially result in a higher guaranteed sum being agreed upon.
By utilizing the franchise tag, the Giants are effectively retaining exclusive negotiating rights with Barkley and preventing him from entering free agency. This gives the team more time to negotiate a long-term contract or potentially work out a deal that satisfies both parties interests.
Subsequently, following the season, the Giants augmented their proposal to $13 million per year. However, Barkley opted not to accept, perhaps due to an erroneous assessment of the prevailing market for running backs at that time. As the deadline approaches, it remains uncertain whether the Giants will meet Barkley’s contractual demands or if he will abstain and potentially be absent for the commencement of training camp.
