Why The Next 8 Games Are Important For Saquon Barkley’s Future

Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants

The New York Giants stand at the bottom of the NFC East, with a majority of the roster’s future banking on their second-half performance this season. One person to keep an eye on particularly is RB Saquon Barkley.

After adding weapons on offense this offseason, Barkley was poised to have a big role in what was expected to be a big year for the Giants. However, the injury bug has unfortunately limited his production for a second straight season.

Barkley, the 2nd overall pick of the 2018 draft, has had immense trouble staying healthy. After playing in 29 of the first 32 games of his career, Barkley has played in just 7 of the Giants last 25 games. Granted, he was sidelined all of last season with an ACL tear, but the injuries have carried into this year. While Barkley is obviously not to blame for his injuries, it will be interesting to see how the Giants move forward regarding his future with the team.

Barkley is in the last year of his 4 year, $31.1 million rookie deal. In an essentially make or break year, Barkley failed to stay healthy through the first 5 games this season after a gruesome injury against the Dallas Cowboys. Barkley is poised to return this Monday against the Buccaneers, and surely he must realize how important the rest of the season is for his career.

Another question regarding Barkley’s status after this year lies on whether current GM Dave Gettleman returns. After years of failed signings and draft picks, Gettleman may very well be on his way out following this season. New management may not be willing to give Barkley a lucrative contract extension, but that yet again relies on his offensive impact as the season progresses. The Giants will have some big holes to fill this offseason on both sides of the ball, but if Barkley plays like his rookie self, they may have no choice but to roll the dice. Despite being at 3-6, the Giants are not completely out of the playoff picture. In order to make a legitimate playoff push, Barkley must take initiative when on the field and flash the potential we all are aware of.

And it all starts Monday.