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 Zoom call, along with a cast of running backs including Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey, Josh Jacobs and Nick Chubb, according to ESPN report.
Chubb spoke directly on Barkley’s situation, who was franchise tagged earlier this year, but didn’t sign an extension with the Giants ahead of Monday’s deadline, and may threaten to 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 helped lead the Giants to their first playoff berth since the 2016 season.
The 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, totaling 10 touchdowns in the process.
He recorded 191 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns during the Giants’ playoff run last season, which ended in the divisional round to 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 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 failed to reach an extension prior to Monday.
Also, like Barkley, Jacobs reportedly isn’t planning on showing up to training camp or the preseason, according to ProFootballTalk.
Barkley and Jacobs would make $10.091 million this season if they played on the franchise tag.