Former Jets LB rips Giants for treatment of Saquon Barkley

New York Giants legend Tiki Barber isn't the only retired NFL star to deliver somewhat of an emotional take this week about how the club is treating running back Saquon Barkley during offseason contract negotiations. 

"[Giants general manager] Joe Schoen needs to tell Saquon, 'Listen man, we just not that into you,'" former New York Jets linebacker and current NFL analyst Bart Scott said during Wednesday's edition of the ESPN "Get Up" program, per Jaclyn Hendricks of the New York Post. "You’re out here treating Saquon like a sidepiece. They give him just enough to make him satisfied." 

What's interesting about Scott's analogy is that it seems more fitting to describe what occurred last offseason. Schoen and Co. negotiated with both Barkley and quarterback Daniel Jones until Jones signed a four-year contract in March 2023 that could be worth up to $160M and that allowed the Giants to retain Barkley's rights via the franchise tag.

Barkley's camp was later criticized for rejecting multi-year deals offered to a player who features at what's become a devalued position in the modern pass-happy NFL. 

Meanwhile, it's widely believed Schoen won't forfeit roughly $12.1M in salary-cap space it would cost to tag Barkley a second time before the window for such decisions closes on the afternoon of March 5. 

There's still time for the parties to work something out before the new league year starts on March 13, but it appears Barkley will reach true free agency for the first time in his pro career. 

Scott mentioned during Wednesday's segment that a contender with "the luxury of a rookie quarterback" can afford to give Barkley the type of contract he reportedly desires. 

The Houston Texans won a playoff game this past January and don't have to worry about paying C.J. Stroud anytime soon. 

"I think Saquon to Houston is a slam dunk," Scott added. 

Schoen and/or Giants co-owner John Mara could experience a change of heart and ensure Barkley stays put by using the franchise tag on the running back by the March 5 deadline. 

Assuming that doesn't happen, those running the club will have made it clear they simply are "just not that into" Barkley this time around.