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NFL Rumors: Saquon Barkley could hold out through training camp

The New York Giants made their bed this offseason. And now lying in it, particularly with Saquon Barkley, could get increasingly uncomfortable.

With both Barkley and Daniel Jones hitting free agency this offseason, the Giants elected to hand out a four-year contract to their quarterback while placing the franchise tag on Barkley, the former No. 2 overall pick. The tag would pay Barkley just over $10 million for the 2023 season but the back has been clear that he wants a more substantial deal, which is why he’s not yet signed his franchise tender.

The July 17 date for franchise tagged players to sign a long-term contract extension is fast-approaching and there appears to be little progress on a deal. Now, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler is reporting that Barkley is a “real threat” to hold out through training camp in the preseason if he and the Giants don’t reach terms on a long-term deal (h/t Bleacher Report).

Should Barkley and the Giants not reach an agreement before the aforementioned deadline, the only thing that could be done would be a one-year contract separate from the franchise tag. In that case, though, Fowler’s report suggests that the running back could still be a camp holdout when the time comes because of his desire for a long-term contract.

Barkley holding out could be hugely detrimental to New York in the second year of the new coaching regime that helped guide the team to the postseason a year ago and is looking to build upon that. Moreover, it could also make way for a trade demand from the running back, which would also obviously not help the cause in any manner either.

If the pressure wasn’t already on the Giants to get a contract done with Saquon Barkley, it definitely is now.