In Week 1 against the Cowboys, the Giants are expected to start Saquon Barkley, a two-time Pro Bowler and three-time 1,000-yard rusher still in his prime. However, there has been speculation about Barkley’s absence from training camp, prompting fans to consider other potential replacements such as Matt Breida, rookie Eric Gray, and free agents Dalvin Cook and Ezekiel Elliott. Despite these options, Barkley remains the most likely season-opening starter, and there are still negotiation tactics that could lead to a resolution.
Barkley, who is 26 years old, must choose between playing on a one-year franchise tag or sitting out games entirely. He is not subject to fines for skipping training camp, and lost wages would only begin in Week 1. By choosing to skip camp, Barkley reduces his risk of injury while expressing his dissatisfaction and putting pressure on the Giants to address their weakened offense. However, there are provisions that can be added to the franchise tag, providing opportunities to entice Barkley to return for Week 1.
If the Giants become concerned about Barkley’s absence extending into the regular season, they could offer a clause that forfeits the right to use a second franchise tag next year in exchange for his signing the $10.1 million tag sooner. Another incentive could be a slight raise in the tag-guaranteed baseline salary. Although this is not a common occurrence, players in other positions have agreed to play for less than the tag to facilitate trades.
It is unlikely that Barkley wants to be traded, and the Giants are not interested in trading their best playmaker ahead of a season with high expectations. The Giants’ final three-year offer fell slightly short of Barkley’s asking price. In retrospect, it would have been advantageous for the Giants to accept the deal earlier, as they would not have been able to secure Barkley’s services for less than the guarantees of tagging him twice. Instead of trying to win the deal outright, it would have been more beneficial for both parties to find a compromise that they could both agree on.
If the unresolved issues continue into the regular season, the Giants have other options for their Week 1 running back, including Matt Breida, Eric Gray, Gary Brightwell, and Jashaun Corbin. These in-house options provide depth and potential, but it is unclear if they can handle the workload that Barkley has shouldered in past seasons. Additionally, Dalvin Cook and Ezekiel Elliott are potential free agent options, but it is unlikely that the Giants would rescind Barkley’s tag to pursue them.
Ultimately, it is probable that the Giants will sign a lesser free agent back after conducting tryouts during training camp, rather than pursue a high-profile veteran. This allows them to maintain their salary cap space and avoid potential conflicts within the locker room.
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