Giants Rumors: Optimism remains Saquon Barkley will sign by the July 17 deadline

Two weeks from today, the July 17 deadline will arrive for the NY Giants and Saquon Barkley. Leading up to that deadline, Big Blue supporters are going to be checking Twitter - before they reach their limit of course - to see if something gets done.

This has been an up-and-down situation throughout the offseason. At points, it felt like no extension would be reached and No. 26 would potentially sit out the campaign. However, there's also been plenty of hope that Joe Schoen and Barkley's reps will come to terms.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has spoken to multiple sources and he's reporting that both sides feel like they can make magic happen. Will good news be on the way in the coming days or next week?

“There is at least some level of optimism that these sides can come to an agreement at some point. They've been talking throughout the offseason. Giants ownership values Barkley; he's considered a centerpiece-type player for them. But Barkley wants a stronger contract structure,… pic.twitter.com/Vf3E6fIVlY
— Doug Rush (@TheDougRush) July 2, 2023

The Giants have exactly two weeks to sign Saquon Barkley to an extension

"I just checked in on this and I was told there's no hard-and-fast update right now, but there is at least some level of optimism that these sides can come to an agreement at some point. They've been talking throughout the offseason. Giants ownership values Barkley. He's considered a centerpiece-type player for them.""
- ESPN's Jeremy Fowler

What appears to be holding things up, according to Fowler's sources, is the guaranteed money that's being put on the table by the Giants. If Barkley plays on the franchise tag this year ($10.1 million) and next year, he's looking at around $22 million in guaranteed dough over the next two campaigns.

With that in mind, it only makes sense that he and his agent are looking for a bit more. If the Giants can ink Barkley to a 3-4 year deal before the deadline, it's going to calm a lot of people out there. Barkley is coming off the best year of his career too, don't forget that.

Despite being slowed down in previous campaigns due to injury, including his torn ACL, Barkley rushed for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2022. He was a major reason why this team not only made the playoffs, but took down the Vikings in the Wild Card Round. We have a feeling Barkley will land his payday soon and fans will be able to put all the contract drama in the past.

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