Could Giants RB Saquon Barkley reach free agency next spring?

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley has seen a career resurgence under head coach Brian Daboll. 

Barkley leads the NFL in rushing yards with 931 at present, and has rushed for six touchdowns this season. 

He's tied for second in rushes of 20+ yards with Titans running back Derrick Henry, and has two rushes for 40+ yards this year. It's safe to say that Barkley is back after two down seasons, and the Giants have to be thrilled. 

However, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported earlier this week that Barkley and the Giants have tabled talks of a contract extension until after the season. 

While Giants fans likely don't want to think about life after Barkley, it's possible the star running back hits the free agency pool if New York isn't willing to offer him a massive contract. 

Barkley would no doubt want to become the highest-paid player at the position, surpassing the deal Christian McCaffrey has with the San Francisco 49ers that pays him an average of $16 million a year. 

The Giants are slated to have $59 million in cap space in 2023, which hypothetically means New York could re-sign Barkley without much trouble and pay him what he wants. 

The trouble is that the running back position continues to decrease in value, even for a player of Barkley's caliber. He's holding much of the Giants' offense on his shoulders this season, but will the Giants want to tie a huge chunk of future salary into a position that often sees results diminish as the years go on?

One major thing in Barkley's favor is his age. He'll only be 26 when the 2023 season begins, and should have plenty of time left in the league to cause problems for opposing defenses. 

In the end, all the stars align for Barkley and the Giants to get a deal done. It will likely depend on how much Barkley wants to stay in New York, and how badly New York wants to pay him what he's due.