McCaffrey deal breaks ground for Barkley
Good for Christian McCaffrey.
This was the thinking of a very interested Giants player.
Why not? If it is true a rising tide lifts all boats, McCaffrey setting the market for NFL running backs raises the financial waters for all who wade in, including Saquon Barkley.
“When Christian signed that big contract, the first thing that came to my mind was, I’m happy for him,’’ Barkley said Wednesday on a Zoom call. “He deserves it.”
McCaffrey last month became the highest-paid running back in NFL history when the Panthers opened the coffers on a four-year, $64 million contract. The average of $16 million per year will be hard to beat.
Perhaps Barkley can do it. As the No. 2-overall pick in the 2018 draft, he signed a four-year deal worth $31.1 million. He will make $3.3 million in base salary in 2020 and $4.7 million in 2021. The Giants can then secure Barkley by picking up his fifthyear option for 2022. Before then, the plan is to extend his contract — as long as he produces and stays healthy.
“For me, I’m a big believer in taking care of the little things first,’’ Barkley said. “And right now, that’s coming to meetings, trying to be the best leader and the best player I can. If you take care of that, everything takes care of itself.’’
Barkley, 23, was the 2018 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after rushing for 1,307 yards, catching 91 passes for 721 yards and totaling 15 touchdowns. He missed three games last season with a high ankle sprain, was not at full strength down the stretch and managed to get 1,003 rushing yards, 52 receptions for 438 yards and a total of eight touchdowns.
“I always feel like I have something to prove,’’ Barkley said.
Hunkered down at his home in New Jersey, Barkley is able to work out in a private gym he assembled in his basement as he rides out the COVID-19 pandemic. As he learns the new playbook crafted by offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, he cannot help but notice there are plays for him that are the same as the plays Ezekiel Elliott ran so successfully when Garrett was the Cowboys’ head coach.
“He’s been very productive,’’ Barkley said. “I’ve always believed and have been taught to believe in myself. I feel like every year I’m going to try and improve, and with the help of not just Jason Garrett’s offense but with my work ethic and my teammates around me.’’
Barkley said he is looking forward to watching tape of Elliott’s highlights, knowing those plays will soon be called for him. Barkley will also reach out to Elliott, but only after he learns more about the new offense he needs to master.