The New York Giants and star running back Saquon Barkley couldn’t reach a long-term contract extension before the recent deadline. Barkley, currently slated to earn $10.091 million this season under the non-exclusive franchise tag, has expressed reluctance to join training camp without a more favorable deal. Despite mentioning the possibility of rejecting the Giants’ terms, he clarified that it’s not his preferred course of action.
Barkley’s teammates, including defensive back Xavier McKinney, are supportive of his decisions. McKinney, in an interview with CBS Sports radio host Jim Rome, stated that he respects Barkley’s choices and would harbor no hard feelings if Barkley opts not to participate. The sentiment is echoed by other players in the locker room, emphasizing understanding even if Barkley decides not to join the team. The duration of Barkley’s holdout remains uncertain, but he now has the backing of a significant teammate in the form of McKinney.
