Saquon Barkley Explains Why He's Skipping Team's Mandatory Minicamp

Giants star running back Saquon Barkley reportedly won't be in attendance for the team's mandatory minicamp this week. Something he explained over the weekend at his AMPT football event:

"Everyone wants to talk about the running back market and this, that, and the third; every team is different," Barkley said. "Pat Mahomes is a two-time Super Bowl MVP... not everybody has Pat Mahomes. ... When you come to my situation, I feel like I helped our team a lot. Not only on the field, but off the field, as a leader."

The Pro Bowl RB went on to lament the fact that the top three running backs on the free agent market this year all got hit with the franchise tag, saying that it hurts the guys coming up next.

Barkley is reported to have turned down an offer from New York that would've paid him somewhere in the $14 million per season range. But he wants to be respected as as a team captain and the head of the snake when it comes to the Giants offense.

"I see [the running back market]. I'm aware of that. I feel like I'm more than that," Barkley admitted. "I feel we finally got to a place where we're a successful team. We got to start winning games, and I was a big part of that. ... If at some point there's a deal that is fair to both sides on the table, I'll be ready to sign."

The 26-year-old has not ruled out sitting out the 2023 campaign.