OC Mike Kafka said early in camp that it was “too early to tell” if Sauqon Barkley would be more of a receiver but “we’re practicing all kinds of things with people at every position.”

But it appears that the brain trust might be reconsidering because Barkley has been an early read on more passes — returning to a plan that was unveiled in May 2022 but scrapped before the season for reasons that Barkley declined to share on the podcast.

Related players: Matt Breida, Gary Brightwell, James Robinson, Eric Gray

The story pointed out the irony in Barkley potentially getting his wish to show that he can be a Christian McCaffrey-type dual threat is that the contract he finally agreed to — one-year, $10.1 million with an additional $909,000 in incentives — pays extra for a would-be career-high 1,350 rushing yards and for 65 receptions. But increased receptions, the story said, likely means fewer carries — making it difficult to hit both markers — to manage Barkley’s workload and keep him healthy. For fantasy purposes, an increased workload in the passing game would give a bump to Barkley's value in PPR leagues. Barkley had 91 receptions his rookie season but then 52 in 2019, 41 in 2021 and last year he had 57. He was injured most of 2020.

Saquon Barkley said recently at his camp that he will not make a "definitive declaration" about what he's going to do for the 2023 season until we get to the July 17th deadline for franchise-tagged players to get a long-term extension. Per Rapoport, there is still room for a deal. Talks are "back on" for a possible extension beyond the franchise tag.

Related Players: Matt Breida, Eric Gray, Gary Brightwell

This is a positive spin after Barkley mentioned less than two weeks ago that he would consider sitting out the entirety of the 2023 season if he needs to. A long-term deal for the running back entering his sixth year seems unlikely, but there's no doubt that Barkley remains one of the most talented backs in the league when healthy.

Saquon Barkley and the New York Giants have until July 17 to come to a long-term contract, or the running back will play 2023 under the $10.1 million franchise tag.

Unless he sits out the entire season.

Barkley told reporters Sunday following his youth football camp in Jersey City that sitting out the campaign is an option he'd consider if it comes to that.

Related Players: Matt Breida, Eric Gray, Gary Brightwell

Most fantasy players will remember the disastrous results that came when Le'Veon Bell sat out a season as an aging running back and the comparisons between that situation and this are pretty stark. It's quite the negotiating ploy but sitting out a season in what could be the twilight of his career is unlikely to translate to future success on the field.

Matt Breida and Gary Brightwell have had their turns with the ball to little success, so Eric Gray may be the most interesting dart throw while we ponder Barkley's future.

New York Giants star running back Saquon Barkley does not plan to sign his franchise tender before the team's offseason program begins Monday, according to Newsday and ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Related Players: Matt Breida, Gary Brightwell

Barkley played a full season in 2022 for the first time since 2018. He was runner-up as the Comeback Player of the Year with his 1,650 scrimmage yards.

If the Giants do not sign Barkley to a long-term deal by July 15, he would make $10M in 2023 under the one-year franchise tender.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll just said it’s possible Saquon Barkley’s status for Sunday is in doubt. He hopes he will play but his neck is sore, so he will see.

Related Players: Matt Breida, Gary Brightwell

After coming out of the gate on fire, Barkley has cooled off immensely over the last three games, accruing only 124 yards on the ground while averaging 2.8 yards per carry. If he were forced to miss Week 14, Matt Breida and Gary Brightwell would likely split the workload, making each of them no more than an RB3 for fantasy purposes.

Giants RB Saquon Barkley was listed as limited in today's practice because of a neck injury.

Related Players: Matt Breida, Gary Brightwell

After coming out of the gate on fire, Barkley has cooled off immensely over the last three games, accruing only 124 yards on the ground while averaging 2.8 yards per carry. If he were forced to miss Week 14, Matt Breida and Gary Brightwell would likely split the workload, making each of them no more than an RB3 for fantasy purposes.

Giants RB Saquon Barkley (ankle) and WR Sterling Shepard (quad) will miss Week 9 against the Las Vegas Raiders. RB Gary Brightwell (COVID) and WRs Kenny Golladay (knee) and John Ross (quad) are questionable for Week 9.

Just gross all around. The Giants offense is a mess and the hope is injuries stop being an issue.