Superstar running back Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants explained why he decided to take a $11 million contract with the organization, saying he “had an epiphany.”
Before agreeing to accept an amended franchise tag that includes a $2 million signing bonus up front and $1 million in incentives, Barkley had refused to sign the $10.1 million franchise tag and was considering waiting until the regular season.
“I could lie to you while I sit here and say things like, ‘I wasn’t let down,’ or ‘I wasn’t this, that, or a third.” Barkley remarked, “That would just be an outright lie.”
However, I’m old enough to realize that this is a business. Recognize that agreements aren’t completed annually.
In relation to my role, we were unable to reach an agreement. My group and I believed that we were attempting to close a deal in good faith. The Giants believed they were making sincere attempts to close a deal.
That’s the real world. You may not always reach a consensus. I had to make a choice, and as I mentioned earlier, I had a revelation. I knew exactly what I was going to do in my head. I had second thoughts.
Barkley is coming off a season in which he caught 57 passes for 338 yards and ran for a career-high 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns. With 1,312 yards gained on the ground, he had the fourth-highest league total for rushing yards.
