The New York Giants are facing the possibility of parting ways with their longtime running back, Saquon Barkley. ESPN’s Jordan Raanan recently stated that the Giants will not tag Barkley for a second time, indicating that he is likely to hit free agency.
Barkley was drafted by the Giants in 2018 and quickly made an impact, winning Rookie of the Year and earning two Pro Bowl selections during his first six seasons with the team. However, contract negotiations over the past year seem to have soured the relationship between Barkley and the Giants. The running back has expressed frustration, stating that “loyalty means nothing” in the NFL.
Barkley’s performance on the field has also been a factor in the Giants’ decision. He had a down year in 2023, posting his second-lowest yards per rushing attempt of his career and seeing a decline in his receiving efficiency. Among qualifying running backs, Barkley ranked 58th in rushing DYAR and 16th in receiving DYAR. Despite these struggles, the Giants continued to rely on Barkley as their offensive engine, giving him the ball nearly 300 times during the season.
The debate over running back contracts has been ongoing, with many arguing that the position is undervalued in today’s NFL. Last year, running backs like Barkley, Tony Pollard, and Josh Jacobs played on the franchise tag and voiced their frustration on social media. However, their performances in 2023 did not provide a strong argument for a big payday. Barkley, Pollard, and Jacobs all had subpar seasons, failing to live up to expectations.
Teams have become more cautious about investing heavily in running backs, as the position requires a significant workload and carries a high risk of injury. Only a few running backs, like Christian McCaffrey, are considered worth the investment due to their exceptional talent and the ability of their teams to build a functional offense around them.
The financial landscape of the NFL, with skyrocketing quarterback contracts, makes it difficult for teams to allocate a large portion of their salary cap to running backs. The current state of running back contracts needs to be addressed to ensure fairness for these players who carry a heavy workload but receive a fraction of what they are owed.
If the Giants do part ways with Barkley, it will be a significant loss for the team. Barkley has been a key player for the Giants and has shown the potential to help lead them back to the playoffs. However, the decision may be a necessary one for the Giants as they navigate the challenges of building a competitive team within the constraints of the salary cap.
Ultimately, the fate of Barkley and the Giants will be determined in the coming months. Whether Barkley stays with the Giants or moves on to another team, it is clear that changes are needed in the way running backs are valued and compensated in the NFL. Without these changes, we risk losing the chance to witness the greatness of players like Barkley and the unique moments they can bring to the game.
