Kayvon Thibodeau is 'angry' that the Giants paid big money for Daniel Jones before Saquon Barkley.
The Giants signed the quarterback to a four-year, $160 million contract extension last offseason, opting to put the dreaded franchise tag (one year, $10.1 million) on the running back.
After Barkley's multi-year contract extension talks broke down, he played the 2023 season on the tag without any ill will, but is now in the market for a multi-year contract extension or a new franchise tag. His future with the Giants is uncertain as he waits to see if he will be cleared. Test free agency.
'I believe in Daniel Jones' Thibodeau He spoke Thursday on “7:00 PM Brooklyn” with former NBA stars Carmelo Anthony and Kid Melo.. “What I'm upset about is Saquon, because when you look at the games and the tape, when you look back at this year, Saquon was responsible for at least 30 percent of our explosive plays.” [2022] We won the playoff game.
“So, for me, and for the integrity of working together and working hard, and because we all believe in the same thing, I feel like Saquon should have gotten paid first. That's why. That’s how I feel.”
There was no shortage of supporters in Barkley's locker room, and they recognized him for his leadership, his track record as the team's best offensive playmaker six years in a row, and his two-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nomination. They are respected for their influence on the communities they serve.
Thibodeau has emerged as the Giants' best pass rusher in his second year in the NFL, but he still has one season left before he can negotiate a new contract.
The Giants have used Barkley's injury history (he missed three games in 2023) and the league-wide downgrading of running back ratings as leverage in negotiations.
“I don't know the backend – it's probably a franchise [tag], maybe an extension, blah, blah, blah,'' Thibodeau expressed confidence in the front office's ability to build a roster through the draft. “It's not my job. I have to focus on me. …It's because we're watching. As a team, we're trying to figure out who's on the job, who's not doing the work. I know if there isn’t.”
In addition to totaling 1,242 yards from scrimmage and 10 of the Giants' 25 offensive touchdowns, Barkley backed up undrafted rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito when things didn't work out this season. This aroused trust from teammates and fans, which led to the “Tommy Cattletz'' phenomenon.
DeVito recently returned the support in a big way.
“I want you to call the Blink truck and have the cash drop off at your door,” DeVito said. told Complex.com He said this in a joint interview with Berkeley. “now [my] Hope is for the Giants [because] I want him to hold back on me and my entire team. Because I think he's the best teammate in the NFL and the best teammate of my life. Of course there is no doubt about it. ”
Barkley has said multiple times throughout his career that he wants to stay with the Giants and is asking for a “fair” multi-year extension, but he is beginning to accept that that may not be an option.
The tag deadline is March 5th, about a week before free agency begins.
Off season. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
DeVito could be No. 1-3 on the quarterback depth chart when the season begins, but it's hard to imagine the Giants without Barkley.
“I hope it's with the Giants. But if it's not, somebody please call the bank because the bank will come because this guy needs to get paid,” DeVito told Barkley. spoke before speaking directly to. “You're my man, you're my man, really. Now come back and do it so we can do it right. But at the same time, I want you to get the papers, I Do you understand what I want to say?”
Berkeley called this “a great answer.”
