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Wondering if running back Saquon Barkley was going to report to New York Giants training camp if he hadn’t signed his rookie contract? Well, you can stop wondering. The second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft has signed a fully guaranteed $31.2 million, four-year deal.
The Giants confirmed the signing late Sunday afternoon.
The deal reportedly includes a $20.76 million signing bonus, $15 million of which is payable immediately. Ian Rapoport reported that Barkley will receive the rest of that signing bonus by October.
Barkley’s agent, Kim Maile, tweeted this:
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
The contract numbers are almost exactly what Forbes had projected based on the rookie wage scale following the draft in April.
The deal makes Barkley the second-highest paid running back in NFL history behind only Adrian Peterson.
The fact that the rookie wage scale allotted that much money for the second overall pick and put Barkley in such a stratosphere before ever playing a game is perhaps one reasons why some questioned taking a running back No. 2 in the draft. No matter what player at what position the Giants selected in the April draft, his contract was going to be similar to the one Barkley has reportedly signed.
Whatever your thoughts on that, the deal is done. Rookies reported to training camp on Sunday, and Barkley got his deal. The first practice for rookies, quarterbacks and select veterans will be held on Monday.
The only remaining unsigned Giants draft pick is R.J. McIntosh, who missed all of spring practices with an announced issue that the Giants said required a “procedure.”