According to a source close to the situation, New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley’s availability for Week 1 is in serious jeopardy if he fails to reach a long-term agreement with the team by Monday. ESPN’s Dianna Russini reported this development, highlighting the significance of the looming deadline. Both parties have until 4 p.m. ET on Monday to finalize a deal. Failure to do so would result in Barkley being unable to re-sign with the Giants until after the 2023 season. As the deadline draws near, negotiations have hit a standstill, as per sources familiar with the matter.
Barkley’s Frustration Grows Amidst Contract Talks
Barkley, who finished fourth in the NFL for rushing yards with 1,312 and had 10 touchdowns last season, has been vocal about his disinterest in the franchise tag. This tag would come with a salary of $10.1 million for the upcoming season, which Barkley finds undesirable. He expressed his concerns during his Athletes Making Progress Together football camp in the previous month, stating that if he does not secure a long-term contract by July 17th, he would contemplate the possibility of sitting out. At the time, he admitted that he had not yet given it much thought. The entire contract situation has left Barkley discontented, particularly due to the leaked stories that he believes painted an inaccurate and misleading picture of him.
The negotiation process has been an enlightening experience for Barkley, as he realizes the business aspect of the sport. With only five days remaining until the deadline, both sides must come to an agreement soon. Failure to do so would force Barkley to make a pivotal decision regarding his future.
The Last Resort: Sitting Out
If a new deal is not reached, Barkley would be faced with the difficult choice of sitting out the entire season. The last player to make such a decision was running back Le’Veon Bell in 2018. However, history has not looked favorably upon Bell’s choice, as he struggled to regain his previous form after signing with the New York Jets the following season.
In order to avoid a similar fate, Barkley and the Giants must find common ground and finalize a contract before the deadline passes. Otherwise, the star running back’s availability for Week 1 will be highly uncertain, leaving the Giants without one of their most valuable offensive weapons.
As the days tick by, the tension rises, and the outcome of these negotiations becomes increasingly unclear. Barkley’s future with the Giants hangs in the balance, and only time will tell whether a deal can be reached. The stakes are high for both parties involved, and the next few days will be crucial in determining the course of Barkley’s career.
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