Giants’ Saquon Barkley named a potential holdout candidate

© Provided by Giants Wire

In a matter of a few short weeks, the New York Giants will need to make a decision on the fifth-year option for oft-injured running back Saquon Barkley.

The good news for New York is that Barkley’s fifth-year option will come at a fair price — approximately $7.2 million — which is less than he will make in Year 4 of his deal. For that reason, it would be a surprise if the Giants decided against picking it up.

But then what? The Giants will need to make a decision on Barkley’s long-term future, which is something co-owner John Mara says the team isn’t ready to do yet.

“We’re not in any hurry to [extend his contract],” Mara said bluntly in late March.

Barkley, of course, is coming off of back-to-back injury-plagued seasons and has not been able to recreate much of the success he had as a rookie. But there’s also no denying his unparalleled athletic and game-changing ability. When healthy, there’s no one better.

Barkley knows that and as a result, he may want the security of a long-term deal. And while he has not publicly voiced that — quite the contrary, in fact — it’s why Chris Roling of Bleacher Report named Barkley a potential holdout candidate.

A star running back always seems to pop up in summer holdout discussions, and Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants should be next.

Barkley, the second pick in 2018, was one of the league’s most electric players at the devalued position until a torn ACL limited him to two games in 2020. Over the course of 31 games, he’s averaged 4.7 yards per carry with 17 scores and, in true workhorse fashion, also caught 149 passes with six more scores.

It will be interesting to see if Barkley settles for a longer-term deal for security purposes or if he aims for a market-resetting number. He’s talented enough to do so, and he could argue he’s a critical part of the equation for a team still trying to rebuild around Daniel Jones with head coach Joe Judge at the controls.

Barkley does not give off the vibe of a holdout guy, but things change and he has a family to consider. However, headed into 2021, he appears determined to return to health and reestablish his value to the offense. If he manages to accomplish that, a potential holdout headed into 2022 is worth keeping an eye on.

MORE:

Ex-Giants RB Wayne Gallman visits 49ers

2021 NFL draft: Prospect rankings for every position

Giants select Jaylen Waddle in Madden simulation mock draft

Ex-Giant Eric Dungey to play in The Spring League

Giants officially re-sign RB Sandro Platzgummer