Saquon Barkley unsure if new deal gets done with Giants - ESPN

JERSEY CITY, N.J. — When running back Saquon Barkley was asked at his AMPT football camp how optimistic he was about getting a long-term deal from the New York Giants this year, he paused, somewhat unsure what was the appropriate answer. It was an indication that he's not ecstatic with how the negotiations have gone to this point.

«I don't know. I don't know,» Barkley said of his optimism level.

The Giants used the franchise tag on Barkley earlier this year. He did not sign it yet, which keeps him away from the facility this spring. New York has mandatory minicamp on Tuesday and Wednesday which Barkley can't and won't attend.

The two sides have until July 17 to agree on a new deal. That did provide Barkley some hope that there is time.

«I think they're open to talking. I'm open to talking,» Barkley said. «I think at the end of the day if you really break it down and look at it as a whole, there is no rush. There is still time on the table to get to July 17. July 17 is not tomorrow. It's not in a week. That is how I look at it. Maybe that is the naïve way to look at it, I could be completely wrong. But for me, that's how I look at it. I could be completely wrong. Hopefully. I trust in the Giants that we could get something done.»

If they're unable to find a middle ground, the veteran running back will at least contemplate sitting out the season.

«That comes up in the conversation if something doesn't get done by July 17,» said Barkley, who also specified that is not something he's thought about much yet.

Barkley later added of the entire contract situation: «At the end of the day, it's all about respect. That is really what it is.»

The Giants had an offer out to Barkley earlier in the year that could've been worth up to