3 reasons the NY Giants won Saquon Barkley contract negotiations

The New York Giants and running back Saquon Barkley agreed to a contract for the 2023 season. Here are three reasons why the team won negotiations.

On July 17, the New York Giants and running back Saquon Barkley were unable to agree to terms on a long-term contract extension. With that, Barkley would have to play on the franchise tag, which he didn’t sign. Because of that, Barkley didn’t have to report to training camp immediately, which opened the door for a holdout not just through the preseason, but potentially into the regular season.

Barkley being unable to secure a lucrative long-term deal was heavily criticized by his fellow NFL running backs, which led to a group chat and a Zoom meeting this past Saturday led by Austin Ekeler of the Los Angeles Chargers. The NFL world waited for the next steps as to what Barkley and the running backs would do.

On Tuesday, the Giants and Barkley agreed to terms on a one-year, $11 million contract. While Barkley and the Giants missed the deadline to come to terms on a long-term extension, that does not prevent them from agreeing to a contract for the 2023 season. So, on the first day that all veterans reported for training camp in East Rutherford, N.J., Barkley ensured that he would be there.

Signing Barkley to a contract this year is a huge win for the Giants. Here are three reasons why that’s the case.

3 reasons the NY Giants won Saquon Barkley contract negotiations, No. 3: Incentives tied to team success

The Giants and Barkley were able to agree to terms on a contract that both sides felt was fair. For Barkley, he was initially set to make $10.09 million on the franchise tag. But, he will receive $2 million upfront as a signing bonus. However, there are also incentives in which the running back can make up to $1 million.

Sure, there are incentives in which Barkley can make money on his own. He can make around $909,000 if he records 1,300 rushing yards, 65 receptions, and 11 touchdowns. But there’s a catch.

According to NorthJersey.com’s Art Stapleton, those incentives are all tied to the Giants making the playoffs this upcoming season.

The Giants were able to shock the world last year by making the playoffs after inheriting the roster created by previous general manager Dave Gettleman, as they had limited cap space to work with. But, head coach Brian Daboll was able to get the most out of players on the roster, and Barkley and quarterback Daniel Jones played a pivotal role in the team’s path to a Wild Card berth and a playoff victory.

This upcoming season, the team made improvements on both sides of the line of scrimmage but has a tough schedule. Let’s not forget, they will be playing six road games through Weeks 2-11. But, they can take solace in the fact that making the playoffs in the NFC is not nearly as grueling as the AFC.

But to make the additional $909,000 in incentives, Barkley will have to ensure the Giants make the playoffs for the second year in a row.