Saquon Barkley might be a rookie, but he sure is being paid like a five-year veteran. The Giants’ first-round pick signed his rookie deal on Sunday, securing him $31 million over four-years, allocating an average of $7.75 million per-season to the back.
The Giants chose Barkley over a slew of potential franchise quarterbacks, who would have been the 26th highest paid QB in the league if GM Dave Gettleman would have went that route.
Immediately becomes the 4th highest paid RB in the league. pic.twitter.com/VSSDrUtAhg
— ??? ??? | #??????????????? (@TheMaj_NFL) July 22, 2018
Barkley is now one of the highest paid running backs in the league, being only LeVeon Bell, Devonta Freeman, and LeSean McCoy. My argument is that Barkley is worth every penny; why? Because his skill-set is more dynamic and well-rounded than any backs below him. Barkley has the ability to run, catch, and block at an extremely high level.
The only backs relatively in the same realm are Ezekiel Elliot and Mark Ingram.
The second overall pick signed his rookie deal just in time for training camp. Head coach Pat Shurmur has called on the rookies, quarterbacks, and a several veterans to attend the first few days of camp in East Rutherford. The first full practice for the entire roster will be on Wednesday.
What Barkley brings to the Giants’ offense:
The first-round pick brings an explosiveness to the running back position the Giants haven’t had in years. His ability to expose linebacker and sneak out of the backfield provides Eli Manning with an outlet when all else fails.
In addition to his pass catching prowess, his ability to shake defenders and bounce the ball outside to pick up extra yardage is a skill most backs can’t harness. His lateral movement and quickness at 234 pounds is impressive and will be exactly what Shurmur needs to keep the opposing defense on their heels and guessing.