Quest Diagnostics Training Center—GM Joe Shoen and head coach Brian Daboll usually find a way to have a calming effect in Giants’ land. No situation is too big for the dynamic duo.
There were rumors going around that the Dolphins were actually exploring a move to trade for Saquon Barkley but Shoen wasn’t never going to let that transaction take place on his watch.
Barkley arrived in camp looking fit, in shape, and had the same demeanor he had last year, I’m going to prove everyone wrong this year attitude. My money is on Barkley for sure.
During the hot Wednesday morning practice in the a 7-on-7 drill, Daniel Jones rolled to his right and looked for #26 (Saquon Barkley) his go to target.
Jones drilled a pass into the right corner of the end zone, it was going to be a tough catch for the running back if he could bring it into his mitts. But, we also talking about Barkley.
Barkley running full speed, reached out full extension, and snatched the ball in his two hands, with safety Xavier McKinney on his heels a half-step late for a touchdown completion.
“That was a great play he made there on the sideline,’’ Jones said. “Yeah, he makes a difference when he’s out there. He makes a difference with his play and how it feels and his leadership, his communication, and bringing guys along. Great to have him out there.’’
Barkley, on Tuesday agreed to a one-year deal that will guarantee him the franchise-tag salary of $10.1 million for running backs, with Barkley able to inflate his 2023 earnings to $11 million if he hits incentives for rushing (1,350 yards), receiving (65 catches) and touchdowns (11).
He did not speak to media on Day 1, just hung out with his family afterwards. But trust and believe that everyone in the building was relieved and excited he was at camp.
“We’re ecstatic, fired up that Saquon’s going to be here for the start of camp,’’ general manager Schoen said.
The Giants made three offers to Barkley — one at the bye week last November, one after the 2022 season and one last week as the deadline came and went to sign a player on a franchise tag to a multiyear extension.
“Why wasn’t it able to get done?’’ Schoen said. “We talked for over nine and a half months, and we came to a landing spot, and they came to a landing spot, and we couldn’t bridge the gap. That’s OK. Saquon has to do what’s best for him and his family, and I respect the hell out of Saquon. I’m never going to tell somebody to do something that they don’t think is right.’’
Schoen in his second year as a general manager have been very busy. This offseason he signed Jones (4 years, $160 million) and defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (4 years, $90 million) before another big signing on Wednesday, with left tackle Andrew Thomas with a five-year deal worth $117.5 million.
Barkley turned down a multiyear deal that would have guaranteed him $23 million.
“There’s a personal side, of course,’’ Schoen said. “You get to know these guys throughout a season. They go to work every day. They work hard for you. That is part of it. There’s a human element to it. In this situation, we weren’t able to come to an agreement and that’s OK. I’ve been in this for 23 years and sometimes deals get done, and sometimes they don’t.’’
The 26-year old running back had that hunger look when he attacked the holes and cut up the field tearing up the blades of grass on the field.
Barkley missed the entire voluntary spring workout program aced his conditioning test, allowing him to participate in the Giants first practice.
“He’s a very good player and a good leader for us,’’ coach Brian Daboll said. “I have a great amount of respect for him, great amount of appreciation and love for him, and glad he’s in the building. I know his teammates are glad.’’
