Report: Giants, Barkley table contract talks
The New York Giants and running back Saquon Barkley will table any talks regarding a contract extension until after the 2022 season after failing to agree on a deal during last week's bye, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The two sides share a mutual interest in a long-term pact but never came close to finalizing a new deal last week, Schefter adds.
Barkley has bounced back in style this season after dealing with multiple injury-plagued campaigns in recent years. The 25-year-old, who missed 21 games between 2019-21, has racked up 779 yards and five touchdowns on the ground in eight games this season to go along with 28 receptions for 189 yards. New York's been one of the biggest surprises of the year after starting the season 6-2.
Barkley is in line to become one of the league's highest-paid running backs. Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers tops the position with a $16-million average annual salary. He's followed by Ezekiel Elliott ($15 million), Alvin Kamara ($15 million), Dalvin Cook ($12.6 million), and Derrick Henry (12.5 million).
The Giants could use their franchise tag on Barkley, which would cost them about $12 million next year. If New York tags the star running back, the team wouldn't be able to use it on quarterback Daniel Jones, who's also set to become a free agent after the season.