Star New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley has signed his franchise tag, putting an end to speculation about his participation in training camp. Barkley expressed his desire to play the game he loves and acknowledged his limited leverage in contract negotiations after being tagged. He hopes that his performance in the upcoming season will contribute to increasing the value of running backs across the NFL.
Barkley’s decision to sign the franchise tag came after discussions with his family and former players, who emphasized the importance of showing up and playing at a high level. While he hinted that he could have received more lucrative offers during contract negotiations, he felt those offers were not respectable at the time.
In the 2022 season, Barkley had a career-best performance with 1,312 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. He also played a key role in helping the Giants make the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Barkley hopes that another successful season will not only benefit his own value but also challenge the financial narrative surrounding the running back position.
Although Barkley did not speculate on his reaction if he were tagged again next season, he emphasized his current focus on the upcoming season and his commitment to his teammates. He expressed his disappointment at times during the contract talks but believed that both sides negotiated in good faith.
Barkley also showed support for his teammates, mentioning the contracts given to quarterback Daniel Jones, defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, and left tackle Andrew Thomas this year, highlighting that he always wants the best for his fellow players.
In conclusion, Saquon Barkley has chosen to sign his franchise tag and join the New York Giants for training camp. While he considered sitting out, he decided to follow his heart and play the game he loves. Barkley hopes that his performance this season will help increase the value of running backs in the NFL and challenge the perception that they are undervalued. With his commitment to his teammates and determination to succeed, Barkley aims to make a lasting impact on the field.
