Commanders Rival Running Back Could Miss Entire NFL Season

Contract topics are sensitive, and the Washington Commanders know all about it. But the disagreement between the New York Giants and running back Saquon Barkley could benefit the burgundy and gold according to new reports.

When Washington Commanders players like defensive tackle Daron Payne and receiver Terry McLaurin want new contracts they have several tactics they can employ to get it. 

McLaurin sat out the Commanders’ voluntary workouts last season looking for his wile Payne showed up, but sat out of team drills opting to only do individual ones until training camp began. 

Both got new deals - eventually.

And Washington isn’t the only NFL franchise that goes through these things from time to time. In fact, all teams in the league have to deal with them. 

Right now, the biggest situation facing a team that matters to the Commanders is their NFC East division rival New York Giants and the stalemate they’re in right now with running back Saquon Barkley. 

Apparently, a stalemate so strong it could cost the Giants their star running back for the 2023 NFL Season. 

“That’s a card I could play,” Barkley said recently when asked about the possibility of sitting out the 2023 NFL season if he doesn’t get a new deal from New York. “That comes up in conversation if something don’t get done by July 17…We got a little bit of time in between there. When that date comes up, then I’ll have to sit down with my team, sit down with my family and make decisions. See what we’re going to do. What’s the next game plan? What’s the next move?”

If that next move is sitting out the season it’ll likely bring up strong memories around the league of when star running back Le’Veon Bell decided to sit out the 2018 NFL Season because of a contract dispute with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Bell has since stated that he regrets the move, but his hindsight alone may not keep this Commanders rival from making the same decision.

For the Giants, it’s a mess of a situation that some saw coming after the team decided to pay quarterback Daniel Jones for one decent season over Barkley who - when healthy - is arguably the best back in the league. 

But Washington has it’s own contracts to worry about, and having an opponent lose a strategic weapon like Barkley isn’t exactly a development that will garner any sympathy from any team in the NFC East.

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

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