NFL running backs across the league participated in a Zoom call organized by Los Angeles Chargers star Austin Ekeler, and one topic of discussion was the status of Saquon Barkley’s contractual frustration with the Giants.
Barkley participated on the call, along with a cast of running backs including Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey, Josh Jacobs and Nick Chubb, according to an ESPN report.
Chubb spoke directly about Barkley, who was franchise tagged earlier this year but didn’t sign an extension with the Giants ahead of this past Monday’s deadline and may sit out the season.
“We’re definitely in a tough situation, running backs as a whole,” Chubb said following the Browns’ training camp on Sunday, per ESPN. “Saquon’s a great player, and you can ask anyone around the league or even on the Giants how much he means to that team. So it’s hard seeing him not get what he deserves.”
Barkley in 2022 helped lead the Giants to their first playoff berth since the 2016 season.
Saquon Barkley indicated that he’s willing to sit out the season if he doesn’t come to terms with the Giants on a new contract. Getty Images
Browns’ Nick Chubb supported fellow running back Saquon Barkley on Sunday as NFL training camps begin. Diamond Images/Getty ImagesThe Penn State alum, drafted No. 2 overall in 2018, rushed for a career-best 1,312 yards on 295 carries, and he also caught 57 passes for 338 yards while totaling 10 touchdowns from scrimmage.
He recorded 191 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns during the Giants’ playoff run last season, which ended in the divisional round against the Eagles.
ESPN reported that “no major plans” emerged from the meeting, but ideas were discussed.
“Right now, there’s really nothing we can do,” Chubb said Sunday. “We’re kind of handcuffed with the situation. We’re the only position that our production hurts us the most. If we go out there and run [for] 2,000 yards with so many carries, the next year, they’re going to say, you’re probably worn down. It’s tough. … It hurts us at the end of the day.”
Like Barkley, Jacobs was tagged by the Raiders in the spring, and the two sides also failed to reach an extension prior to Monday.
The Zoom meeting was organized by Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler. Getty ImagesAlso, like Barkley, Jacobs reportedly may not show up to training camp or for the preseason, according to ProFootballTalk.
Barkley and Jacobs would make $10.091 million this season if they played on the franchise tag.
