Are the Giants and Saquon Barkley Close to a Long-Term Deal? Fantasy Football Outlook

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is coming off his best season since 2018 and was franchise-tagged after five seasons with the G-Men.  Barkley played in 16 games this season, rushing 295 times for 1,312 yards, and ten rushing touchdowns. He added 57 receptions for 338 yards but did not score through the air.

However, Barkley reported isn't happy with the franchise using the tag on him, and wants a long-term deal with security. Given his injury history, it makes sense why he'd want the extension, and why the Giants could be apprehensive.

Are the two parties close to reaching a long-term extension? Let's dive in.

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Is Saquon Barkley Close to Signing a Long-Term Deal?

Barkley does not appear close to signing a long-term extension with his team, according to reports. The Giants attempted to sign him to the franchise tag this offseason but Barkley has yet to sign it, setting him up for a possible holdout in training camp.

According to a report on FOX Sports, there is not a good chance that Barkley is the team's long-term starting running back. The Giants used a fifth-round pick on Eric Gray in the 2023 NFL draft as a contingency plan in case Barkley is playing elsewhere. Of course, these things can change in a hurry but for now, it sounds as if the Giants are dug in unless Barkley lowers his salary demands.

Saquon Barkley 2023 Fantasy Outlook

If Barkley suits up for Week 1, he'll continue to carry fantasy RB1 expectations into 2023. He's always an injury risk, but that's the nature of the running back position. It's worth noting his reception totals haven't come close to his 2018 rookie campaign (91 catches), and likely won't with a mobile Daniel Jones under center instead of Eli Manning.

The arrival of Darren Waller may also negatively impact his receiving upside, but ultimately, he'll still be one of the best PPR options at RB. In early Best Ball drafts, Barkley's ADP is at the RB5 spot, just behind Christian McCaffrey, Bijan Robinson, Austin Ekeler, and Jonathan Taylor.

If Barkley works out his contract dispute and remains healthy, it'd be surprising if he finishes any lower than the overall RB7 range.

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