Saquon Barkley’s Week 1 Status in Question Without Long-Term Deal, per Report

The contentious contract dispute between the Giants and Barkley could lead to the star running back missing Week 1 showdown with the Cowboys.

According to a report by ESPN’s Dianna Russini, the contentious contract dispute between the Giants and Saquon Barkley could lead to the star running back sitting out the season opener against the Cowboys and beyond.

The 2018 No. 2 pick has reportedly made it clear he is not happy about playing the 2023 season on the $10.1 million franchise tag.

“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,” tweeted Russini.

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 (@DMRussini) July 12, 2023

The Giants, at this point, appear unwilling to offer the former Penn State standout a long-term deal potentially due to fears over his durability. After consecutive 1,000-yard rushing campaigns to begin his career, Barkley suffered a torn ACL in Week 2 of the 2020 season. After a disappointing 2021, the 26-year old talent responded with a strong ’22 season rushing for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns, while adding 57 receptions for 338 yards in the passing game.

The 2018 Rookie of the Year is clearly the Giants’ best offensive player and a weapon that New York can not afford to be without.

From a betting perspective, the Giants are 3.5-point home underdogs against Dallas in Week 1 at SI Sportsbook with a game total set at 46.5.