5 bold predictions for the NY Giants offense in 2023
By Zak Musso
4. Saquon Barkley amasses 2,000 total yards
After signing Danny Dimes to a monstrous four-year, $160 million contract this offseason, the Giants franchised tag Barkley. Barkley was not thrilled to receive the franchise tag, essentially a one-year, $10.1 million contract. Barkley and the Giants have until July 17 to agree to a long-term contract. If they do not agree, Barkley will be forced to decide between sitting out the season or playing on the tag.
I expect the two sides will reach an agreement and the face of the Giants will remain in the backfield. Barkley was a monster in 2022, and was the hardest-working member on the Giants offense. No. 26 carried the ball a whopping 295 times last fall, the fourth most in football.
Barkley will undoubtedly receive a ton of volume next fall, but it will likely be less than this season. Barkley was the Giants lone playmaker last fall. Big Blue now has an offense full of speedy playmakers opposing defenses will have to account for, meaning they won't be able to stack the box like they did in 2022.
Barkley should have even bigger holes and more space to work with, making him more dangerous. Defenders have one chance to tackle him, if they miss, it could be an 80-yard touchdown. He amassed 2,000 yards his rookie season, and will undoubtedly have an opportunity to do it in 2023, especially if he becomes Jones’ favorite check-down target.