Saquon Barkley Rumors: Giants, RB 'Back in Communication' on New Contract

Saquon Barkley remains without a new contract after the New York Giants placed the franchise tag on him for the 2023 campaign earlier this offseason. However, things are pointing in the right direction for both sides.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday they are "back in communication" amid the running back's holdout from mandatory minicamp.

Rapoport also clarified his previous comments about New York's former offer to Barkley—which came before Daniel Jones signed a four-year, $160 million deal—being back on the table.

"What I should have said—I misspoke a little bit—is that the two sides have been negotiating, have been discussing. As far as an offer being on the table, it does not sound like quite yet, so that was maybe a little premature, but they are discussing. They are back in communication with Saquon Barkley."

Barkley's franchise tag for the 2023 campaign is worth $10.1 million, but he has yet to sign that deal as he holds out for a long-term contract. Players who are franchise tagged have until July 17 to reach an agreement on a contract or play under the tag.

It's also possible Barkley sits out the entire 2023 season if he doesn't come to terms on a new contract, and he didn't rule out that possibility while speaking with reporters at his youth football camp on Sunday.

"I think that's a conversation," Barkley said. "Like you said, that's a card I could play. That comes up in conversation if something don't get done by July 17. ... We got a little bit of time in between there. When that date comes up, then I'll have to sit down with my team, sit down with my family and make decisions. See what we're going to do. What's the next game plan? What's the next move?"

According to Spotrac's calculated market value, Barkley is worth $12.3 million annually. However, it's unclear if he would be open to that sort of deal after previously declining an offer worth a reported $12.5 million per year.

While Barkley dealt with injuries during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, he put together a bounce back 2022 campaign, rushing for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns in 16 games, in addition to catching 57 passes for 338 yards.

If Barkley and the Giants are unable to strike a deal and he sits out the 2023 season, it will be a huge loss to the New York offense.