It’s official: Saquon Barkley has signed a four-year deal with the New York Giants. The 2nd overall pick in the 2018 Draft was deemed the best running back in his Draft class. After three years at Penn State University, he accumulated 3,843 rushing yards, 43 touchdowns and 102 receptions. For a Giants team that lacked a featured running presence for quite some time, this move was a no-brainer.
Contract signed! RT if you can't wait to see @saquon in action for Big Blue! pic.twitter.com/zfOj3PXTyv
— New York Giants (@Giants) July 22, 2018
Executed by Roc Nation Sports’ Kimberly Miale, Barkley put his pen to the paper as soon as he arrived to training camp. According to NorthJersey.com, Barkley’s contract includes a $20.76 million signing bonus. In addition, $15 million was received at the signing.
“I know a lot of people try to set expectations for me,” said the 21-year-old athlete. “But no offense to you guys I set my own expectations.”
A Giants running back has not eclipsed 1,000 yards since Ahmad Bradshaw did it in the G-Men’s last Super Bowl win in 2012. The PSU alumni is not worried about meeting any standards set by previous Giants running backs. He understands the spotlight of playing in NYC, but is unfazed.
“I know that I have to work my butt off every single day to get where I want to go,” stated Barkley. It’s not gonna happen in one day; it’s gonna take baby steps, but every single day I’m willing to work.”
The emphasis on work ethic is great to hear from a rookie because expectations will be set high for the Giant’s newest addition.
The star running back will join two-time Super Bowl Champion Eli Manning and All-Pro wide receiver, Odell Beckham, Jr., who’s coming off a season ending injury he suffered last season. The Giants become a two-dimensional team with Barkley and a healthy Beckham. Defenses will certainly have their hands full going up against this tandem.
The G-Men will open their season at home against the Jaguars on September 9.
It’s official. Very proud of this guy! I can’t wait to watch him continue to put in work and come out stronger every day. Congratulations @saquon!! Go big blue!!! pic.twitter.com/fxsMYcD9Hu
— Kimberly Miale (@kimmiale) July 22, 2018