Another new twist in the Saquon Barkley contract drama? Not long ago, the NY Giants running back surprised plenty of us out there when he said that he wouldn't rule out sitting the 2023 campaign due to not getting an extension.
However, it looks like we may not reach that point. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Barkley and the Giants front office are back negotiating. Not only that, but a previous offer that was taken off the table earlier this offseason - well, it's back there for Saquon to consider.
The fact that Schoen has come back with the same offer for Barkley shows that he's ready to work towards a solution. Because of this, Big Blue Nation is feeling optimistic again.
From Inside Minicamps on NFL+: Reacting to the comments made by #Giants RB Saquon Barkley, who is still on the franchise tag. pic.twitter.com/0vUYwhjyYq
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 13, 2023
Saquon Barkley and the NY Giants are back negotiating on a new contract
This really does feel like a massive update from Rapoport. However, it remains to be seen if it will be enough for No. 26 to put the pen to paper. With the Giants wrapping up mandatory minicamp on Wednesday, one of the major talking points was the fact that Barkley was nowhere to be seen.
Because Barkley didn't sign his franchise tag tender, he wasn't allowed to participate in the offseason session. Head man Brian Daboll was asked about the Barkley situation on Tuesday and you could tell he wasn't too pleased with the whole situation.
Daboll obviously wants Barkley back with the team as soon as possible. The Giants and the Pro Bowl RB have until July 17 to work out a deal on an extension. With training camp not too long after that date, it'll be crucial for things to get done.
If they don't, then people are going to really start to get nervous about Barkley refusing to play on the non-exclusive franchise tag this campaign. Thanks to Rapoport's latest update, though, we don't think that will end up being the case.