No Clear Progress in Saquon Barkley's Future with Giants

Saquon Barkley may sit out 2023 NFL season if no deal reached with Giants.

Saquon Barkley, the two-time Pro Bowler and 2018 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, is currently at a standstill with the New York Giants regarding a long-term deal. Despite the July 17 deadline for tagged players to sign multi-year contracts, Barkley has not reached an agreement with the Giants.

The 26-year-old running back has not signed the tag, which would have earned him around $10 million for the upcoming 2023 NFL season. Additionally, Barkley has not participated in any of the Giants' offseason programs. While he is not subject to fines as an unsigned player, this situation could continue to drag on unless a deal is reached soon.

The uncertainty surrounding Barkley's contract also raises concerns about his availability for the Giants' Week 1 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. If the stalemate between Barkley and the Giants persists, it raises serious questions about the future of the former Penn State Nittany Lion.

Despite expressing a preference to stay with the Giants, Barkley has hinted that he would be willing to sit out the 2023 NFL season if the franchise tag is imposed on him. This puts pressure on the Giants to find a resolution with their former first-round pick.

If Barkley fails to sign a multi-year deal by the July 17 deadline, he will be required to play the 2023 season under the one-year tag or forfeit the tag's guaranteed salary by sitting out the season. Barkley is reportedly seeking a $14 million annual salary, which would make him the highest-paid running back in the NFL.

The Giants had offered Barkley a $13 million annual deal before the deadline, but he publicly disputed the offer on social media. The negotiations between Barkley and the Giants remain ongoing as both sides try to find a resolution that satisfies their respective interests.