Giants, RB Saquon Barkley agree to terms on one-year deal worth up to $11 million

The Saquon Barkley saga didn't have the outcome either side wanted, but the New York Giants and the running back agreed on a new deal ahead of the start of training camp.

Big Blue and Barkley agreed to terms on a one-year contract worth up to $11 million, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday morning, per sources informed of the situation. The deal includes a $2 million signing bonus.

The Giants officially announced that Barkley had signed his tender later Tuesday morning.

The Giants placed the franchise tag on Barkley, worth $10.091 million for running backs in 2023. Sides had until July 17 to come to terms on a long-term deal. With that deadline passed, sides could negotiate terms of a one-year pact but not a multi-year deal.

It's rare for a franchise-tagged player to negotiate terms on a one-year deal, but Barkley's ability to at least get a shot at making a shade more than the tender dictated was a bridge to getting the back to camp.

NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo added that no provision in the contract prevents the Giants from franchise-tagging Barkley again next year. A second tag in 2024 would be worth a 120% increase on his 2023 salary.

The contract ends questions about whether and when the star running back would report to New York. Barkley indicated multiple times this offseason that he'd consider sitting out the season if a long-term deal wasn't struck.

Ultimately, he agreed to a minorly enhanced franchise tag figure to get him to camp on time with the rest of his teammates.

Barkley's situation, along with that of Josh Jacobs' in Las Vegas, has been the primer for recent discussions surrounding the diminishing market for running backs. It will be interesting to see how his new deal is received by his