Giants’ Saquon Barkley opts out start of offseason program 6z753

Saquon Barkley – refer to caption – CC BY-SA 255n2p

Multiple sources have reported that running back Saquon Barkley will not take part at the start of the New York Giants off-season program on Monday.

Newsday reported that Barkley had not yet signed the franchise tag he was given in March and had no intention of doing so. As a result, the two-time Pro Bowler will not be present during the team’s Organized Team Activities (OTAs).

If Barkley were to sign the one-year franchise tag, he would receive a guaranteed amount of $10.09 million, making him the eighth-highest-paid player among running backs. He also would share the same salary as fellow running backs Tony Pollard of the Dallas Cowboys and Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Barkley’s contract 6w6yn

The 26-year-old is allowed to negotiate with other teams under the non-exclusive tag, but the Giants can always match all offers.

According to Fox Sports, Barkley was unhappy with being given the franchise tag since the Giants had not made significant progress in negotiating a long-term contract with him.

Sportswriter for the New York Daily News Ralph Vacchiano reported that New York had attempted to secure Barkley’s services for more than just 2023, but the discussions reached an ime.

It remains uncertain how long the former first-round pick plans to abstain from participating in the Giants’ early offseason program, which is technically voluntary. However, Barkley would not suffer financial consequences for missing workouts or practices until he formally signs the franchise tag.

Tagged players can sign the tag as late as the Tuesday following Week 10 of the regular season, after which they are required to sit out the remainder of the year. They also have until July 17 to work out a long-term deal.

When asked about resetting the market with his contract demands, Barkley said he wasn’t concerned. “I’m realistic,” he said.

The 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year winner claimed he was still on track to achieve significant accomplishments but recognized that his two years of injuries may have hindered his progress.

“But I think I was able to show the caliber of player I am,” Barkley added.

As a vital part of Brian Daboll’s offensive scheme, Barkley completed an entire season of play in 2022, the first time he has done so since his rookie year in 2018.

Last year, the Penn State alum ranked fourth in the NFL with 1,312 rushing yards and had an additional 1,650 yards from scrimmage, scoring ten touchdowns and 32 runs of 10 or more yards.

His strong performance earned him the runner-up title for the 2022 AP Comeback Player of the Year award.