Moments after his team’s season finale lost 38-7 to the Eagles On Saturday night, Saquon Barkley was asked about his future with giants Heading out of season.
A former first-round pick, Barkley is set to become a free agent when the new league year begins on March 16. While he’s not sure if he’ll be back with the team, the two-time Pro Bowl running back has expressed optimism about his future with the Big Blue.
After his team’s playoff loss, Barkley said, “I can’t imagine that’s the last time I ever wore a Giants uniform,” Barkley said. Via NFL Media.
Speaking to reporters Sunday while the Giants were cleaning out their lockers, Barkley was asked what kind of contract he would be looking for in the off-season.
Barkley said, “I’m not really interested in resetting any markets. I’m a realist. I know what I was about to do, but two years of injury isn’t helping. But I think I’ve been able to show the quality of the player that I am.”
The 2022 season was a significant season for Barkley, who played at the Pro Bowl level after injuries sustained over the previous two seasons. This season, Barkley has run for 1,312 yards. He also ran for 10 scores while catching 57 passes for 338 yards in 16 regular season games.
Barkley was instrumental in the Giants’ upset win over the Giants Vikings On Super Wild Card weekend. He had two touchdowns on the ground while totaling 109 all-purpose yards on 14 touches. Barkley has 82 yards on 11 touchdowns against the Eagles. His 39-yard run helped set up the Giants’ only touchdown.
“I wanted to show them that the man who coined them is still here,” Barclay said. “I hope I do. Everyone knows I’d love to be a giant for life, but I really can’t 100% give answers. Sometime this week, I’m going to have a chat with my agent Kim and see what’s up.”
Barkley has undoubtedly increased his market value in the past season. He is currently expected to have a market capitalization of $47.8 million over four years with an annual salary of just under $12 million annually, According to Spottrack. While that salary wouldn’t raise his status among the highest-paid running backs in the league, it would make him the ninth running back to have a salary that pays him at least $10 million a season.
Christian McCaffrey currently puts all contestants at an average salary of just over $16 million. Alvin Kamara, Ezequiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook complete the list of linebackers who earn $15 million a year. Derek Henry, Nick Chubb, Aaron Jones, and Joe Mixon are the only other showrunners who currently make at least $12 million per season. Barkley has proven this season that when he’s healthy, his talent requires corresponding compensation.
The giants have the required cap space if they decide to invest more in Barkley. The Giants currently rank third in terms of cap space in the NFL and the most competitive in the NFC East.
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