When NY Giants head coach Brian Daboll was asked about Saquon Barkley not being present at the start of the offseason program, he played things down a bit. Daboll wasn't worried whatsoever about not having the star running back in town.
However, it doesn't look like things are as calm as fans would have hoped. According to ESPN's Jordan Raanan, Barkley is not happy that he was placed on the non-exclusive franchise tag and that he didn't ink a long-term deal.
Not only that, but Barkley doesn't plan on signing his tender soon. Could this lead to him missing the entire offseason program and potentially holding out during camp? That door appears to be open.
Giants open offseason program Monday and Saquon Barkley + Dexter Lawrence aren’t attending. Voluntary but they’re sending messages.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) April 17, 2023
The $10.1M tag on Saquon is good deal for team, but how much is it worth to have your best/most respected player “unhappy”? https://t.co/NDmj2jJfwh
Saquon Barkley is reportedly 'unhappy' with the NY Giants over his contract
""His (Barkley) hope is that staying away from the offseason program, and perhaps more, could make the organization blink. Giants ownership is cognizant of public discontent, especially from a team captain and the face of their franchise. They have to be careful playing hardball with perhaps the most respected player in their locker room. An unhappy Barkley, a captain since 2019, can have negative repercussions throughout the locker room.""Jordan Raanan
Should he play on the franchise tag in 2023, Barkley would take home $10.1 million. However, that's much less than we he wants - Barkley is hoping to be paid like one of the top running backs in the game. Schoen previously had a $12-13 million per year offer on the table, but Saquon said no thanks.
Who knows how high the Giants front office will be willing to do, but it has to worry Schoen that Barkley and Dexter Lawrence are not grinding with the rest of their teammates. A Giants offense without Barkley simply is not the same, as he's one of the most explosive players in the game.
Big Blue supporters don't even want to think about a 2023 campaign without Barkley being featured. Schoen needs to find a way to make him happy, but also not break the bank to make that happen.