Christmas in late July for NY Giants fans! With veterans reporting for training camp on Tuesday, and Day 1 set to begin on Wednesday, the expectation for a while has been that Saquon Barkley would not be present. However, that all has changed thanks to a last-minute miracle.
While the G-Men and Barkley missed the deadline for him to sign a long-term extension, they could still re-work things for a one-year deal. According to Ian Rapoport, that's exactly what the two sides were able to get done. This is a complete and total surprise, but one that Big Blue Nation had been hoping for:
Surprise! 🚨 🚨 🚨
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 25, 2023
The #Giants and star RB Saquon Barkley agreed to terms on a new 1-year deal worth up to $11M, sources say, as Barkley gives himself a chance to beat the franchise tag. He gets a $2M signing bonus.
Bottom line: Barkley is coming in & will be at training camp. pic.twitter.com/A5PR7RWLfQ
NY Giants and Saquon Barkley agree to one-year deal worth up to $11 million
According to Rapoport, it's a one-year deal for No. 26 worth up to $11 million, with a $2 million signing bonus. Barkley's non-exclusive franchise tag was worth $10.1 million, so the Pro Bowl RB indeed has a chance to earn more than that figure with his new contract.
While NY supporters wanted Barkley to agree to a multi-year extension to lock him in with the team for the future, this feels like a win-win for both sides right now. General manager Joe Schoen and head man Brian Daboll have the most explosive player on offense back in the mix.
There was serious worry that Barkley, coming off the best season of his career, would sit out the regular-season opener against the Cowboys to send a message to the Big Blue front office. Instead, Barkley will now be at MetLife Stadium ready to do his thing vs. the Cowboys.
Barkley rushed for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, earning a trip to the Pro Bowl for the first time since his rookie campaign. With all the adversity he's faced in recent years, it was incredible to see him get back to his usual form. Now that he's got his new contract under his belt too, a massive '23 campaign should be on the way for the outstanding talent.
READ MORE: Xavier McKinney doubles down in his support for Saquon Barkley