The New York Giants have seen a substantial personnel overhaul in recent seasons, including many comings and goings, as well as extended contracts and re-done deals.
As things sit, which player holds the most team-friendly contract? That distinction could arguably go to safety Jabrill Peppers, defensive tackle B.J. Hill or even center Jon Halapio, but Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report believes running back Saquon Barkley holds that title.
New York Giants: RB Saquon Barkley
Three Years Remaining on a Four-Year, $31.1 Million Deal
While New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley doesn’t have as thrifty a contract as Kamara, one could argue that his contract is just as valuable. Kamara was one of the best players on his offense, but Barkley was the best player for the Giants in 2018.
Simply put, Barkley is special. Yes, good running backs can be found at all stages of the draft, but not those with Barkley’s skill set—which is why the team was willing to use the second overall pick on him.
He didn’t disappoint as a rookie, either, amassing more than 2,000 combined rushing and receiving yards. That’s incredible production and well worth the $7.8 million annual salary.
Is Barkley’s contract a huge bargain for New York? Perhaps not, but his annual salary is less than those of Todd Gurley, Le’Veon Bell, Devonta Freeman, LeSean McCoy and David Johnson—and Barkley may already be better than any of them.
Although Barkley’s yearly average is less than Gurley, Bell, Freeman, McCoy and Johnson, his fully guaranteed $31.19 million actually makes him the highest-paid running back in the league.
Even with such a high guaranteed total, it doesn’t feel as if Barkley is being paid enough. He’s that good, and therefore it is, to at least some degree, a team-friendly deal.
