Saquon Barkley Rumors: Giants 'Don't See the Value' in Paying Any RB $10M Contract

The New York Giants reportedly have an organizational philosophy that does not support handing out large contracts to the running back position.

According to ESPN's Jordan Raanan, a league source commented on the Giants' stance, saying: "They just don't see the value in investing $10 million in a running back."

That suggests Saquon Barkley may be playing elsewhere in 2024, as the Giants decided against placing the franchise tag on him, meaning he will become a free agent when the new league year starts next week.

Barkley, 27, has spent his entire six-year NFL career with the G-Men, as they made him the No. 2 pick in the 2018 NFL draft.

His results were a mixed bag, as injuries limited him significantly in 2020 and 2021, sandwiched in between some highly productive years.

Barkley burst onto the scene in 2018, winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award by virtue of a career-high 2,028 total yards and 15 touchdowns.

He barely surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark in 2019 despite missing three games due to injury, and then missed a combined 18 games over the next two seasons.

Barkley's career resurgence began in 2022, which was the first season under head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. He set a career high with 1,312 rushing yards and finished with 1,650 total yards and 10 touchdowns, earning him his second career Pro Bowl nod.

The Giants cycled through multiple quarterbacks last season and the offense suffered as a result. Barkley rushed for just 962 yards, although he missed three games due to injury and still managed to finish with 1,242 total yards and 10 scores.

Given his injury history and the fact that they signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a four-year, $160 million deal last year, it is understandable why the Giants may be hesitant to invest heavily in Barkley.

Given the combination of his age and production, Barkley has a chance to land the biggest contract of any running back in free agency this offseason.

Barkley made just north of $10 million last season, so it stands to reason that he will be looking for a contract that pays him a similar amount or more in 2024 and beyond.

If the Giants are truly steadfast in their belief that a running back shouldn't be paid that much, they are likely to explore other options in free agency and the draft.

Two potential free agents to watch are Devin Singletary and Zack Moss, both of whom played under Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen during their time with the Buffalo Bills as offensive coordinator and assistant GM, respectively.