NFL Rumors: Saquon Barkley contract negotiations hinge on one key detail

Giants running back Saquon Barkley has been trying to secure his bag all offseason, and there’s one detail that may be his biggest roadblock in ongoing negotiations.

The New York Giants are running out of time to extend star running back Saquon Barkley this offseason.

The two sides have until Monday afternoon to agree on a long-term contract, and based on the reports coming out of Giants’ camp, the likelihood of that happening is very low.

Barkley didn’t rule out the possibility of holding out if he and the Giants can’t agree on a number, which would kick off New York’s 2023 season in the worst way possible. Is there any hope left?

According to a recent NY Post article, the biggest thing Barkley wants is guaranteed money. For a position as volatile as running back, the 2018 second-round pick is looking for a certain amount of security and stability that would keep his financials in order should he suffer from another injury.

No one knows what the exact number Barkley desires, but it’s apparent that he and the Giants differ on the issue.

Per the NY Post’s Paul Schwartz:

"When they say it’s about the money, they mean the guaranteed money. That is and always has been the key to the ongoing negotiations between the Giants and running back Saquon Barkley. Focusing on the yearly average of a potential multiyear contract is not the central issue."

Saquon Barkley may be looking for $22 million or more in guaranteed money

If one were to combine Barkley’s franchise tag for 2023, a $10.1 million salary, and his future franchise tag for 2024, $12.1 million, the resulting sum of $22.2 million could be the ballpark figure that the running back has in mind for a potential extension.

So far, the Giants have only offered up to $19.5 million in guaranteed. The difference of a few million could sway Barkley’s future.

Several reports this offseason have intimated that Barkley is looking for an annual average salary on par with 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey ($16 million). This latest news on Barkley’s desires and, specifically, the amount of guaranteed money, may outweigh the annual averages as the two-time Pro Bowl back may merely want more money locked in just in case of future injury.

Compared to the league’s top backs, Barkley’s $22.2 million presumed baseline for guaranteed money really isn’t that much. McCaffrey and Saints’ Alvin Kamara got $34 million or more in total guarantees in their respective deals, and Titans’ Derrick Henry and Browns’ Nick Chubb got $20 million or more.

There’s one very important day left in Barkley’s contract negotiations. Time for the Giants to put everything on the table if they want to keep their star.