Saquon Sits: No Barkley Contract a Cowboys Win?

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley has not signed a deal as the franchise tag deadline has passed. Is that a big win for the Dallas Cowboys ahead of their Week 1 matchup?

The New York Giants and running back Saquon Barkley did not agree to a long-term deal prior to the franchise tag deadline ... and that might just be a good thing for the Dallas Cowboys.

With Barkley coming off a year that saw him have a career-high in rushing yards (1,312) along with scoring 10 touchdowns, he is a valuable piece of the offensive puzzle for New York ... or so we thought.

With the Giants and Cowboys set to meet in Week 1, having no Barkley in the backfield could cause some issues for Daniel Jones and the offense. And in addition to the talent drag - assuming Barkley follows through with his threat to sit? Coming into the season opener with no Barkley could be an energy-drainer for the Giants, and Dallas could take full advantage.

In his eight games against the Cowboys, Barkley has rushed for 464 yards and three touchdowns going at 4.9 yards a clip. While he only averages 58 yards against Dallas, it is the home run threat he possesses that gives the Giants an X-Factor that strikes fear in opposing defenses and opens up throwing lanes for Jones.

If Barkley sits out Week 1 (we aren't sure if that's the right financial move), the Cowboys will be liking their chances at starting the season with a win.

Colin Cowherd detailed on The Herd what quarterback Daniel Jones is like without a 100-yard rusher in a game last season, and the stats are eye-opening. 

Jones has a 5-7-1 record, a 65.3 completion percentage, a 10-5 touchdown-to-interception total, and a passer rating of 86.6.

But with a 100-yard rusher (for example, Saquon), Jones' stats skyrocket to a 5-0 record, 72.4 completion percentage, a 7-1 touchdown to interception ratio, and has a passer rating of 113.8. In short, Jones needs Saquon. And the Giants need Saquon.

The Cowboys - who already sport an astounding 11-1 record against New York since 2017 - could be licking their lips at the prospect of not facing Barkley in Week 1, and although Saquon will likely sign the tag at some point (we think), but if he doesn't, it could dramatically shift the dynamic for what is a blockbuster start to the NFL season ... with Dallas potentially being a big winner.

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