Saquon Barkley’s Week 1 Giants availability in ‘serious question’

The New York Giants and running back Saquon Barkley remained locked in a contract stalemate and with the July 17 deadline for a new deal rapidly approaching, the situation is turning dire.

Barkley has made it clear that he prefers a long-term contract over the $10.1 million franchise tender which he has yet to sign, and previously indicated that he may consider skipping the season.

That has not changed as ESPN’s Dianna Russini now reports that Barkley’s Week 1 availability is in “serious question” if a new deal can not be reached.

Saquon Barkley has made it clear the franchise tag is undesirable. I’m told his availability for Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys will be in serious question if he does not get a long-term deal from the Giants.

— Dianna Russini (@diannaESPN) July 12, 2023

It was previously reported that the Giants had an offer on the table last season that would’ve paid Barkley $12.5 million per, then sweetened the deal to $13 million per plus another $1 million in incentives. Barkley rejected both deals and the Giants later pulled their offer.

Whether or not Barkley will actually hold out remains to be seen, but at this very moment, he at least appears to be serious.