The Giants made the no-brainer decision on Wednesday to pick up the fifth-year option on Saquon Barkley’s rookie contract.
The fully guaranteed salary for Barkley’s fifth year in 2022 is only $7.2 million, which is lower than his $10 million this coming season.
Barkley, 24, is expected to want a new contract long before he ever plays on that fifth-year number. But picking up this option gives the team control and flexibility in addressing Barkley’s future.
Co-owner John Mara said in March that the Giants are “not in any hurry” to give Barkley a contract extension, so Wednesday’s decision does not resolve this situation.
Barkley, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 draft, is rehabbing a torn ACL and partially torn meniscus in his right knee that he suffered in a Week 2 loss at Chicago last fall.
ESPN reported that Barkley is on track to be ready for the start of the season, hours before ESPN then broke the news of Barkley’s fifth-year option pick-up.
But the Giants have hedged their bets so far, paying more than expected for veteran free agent RB Devontae Booker because he’s “a legitimate three-down back,” GM Dave Gettleman said.
And the Giants also could draft a running back this weekend.