Is Saquon Barkley underpaid? Ex-NFL HC explains why Giants star earns lesser than QB Daniel Jones (Exclusive)

Saquon Barkley has become a household name in the NFL over the years. The talisman running back has become a crowd favorite among New York Giants fans.

After being named a rookie Pro Bowler, the running back's progress was majorly halted by a series of injuries. Barkley, though, came back stronger, registering over 1,300 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.

Still a key part of Giants HC Brian Daboll's offense, the team decided to retain his services on the franchise tag. This will see the running back earn a base salary of a little over $10 million.

The Giants did this to instead tie down QB Daniel Jones to a mammoth four-year, $160 million contract. The stark contrast in contract offers has left many wondering whether or not Barkley got underpaid by the Giants.

While appearing on Sportskeeda's Ballfather podcast, former Atlanta Falcons HC Mike Smith provided some clarity into the matter:

"Quarterbacks are gonna get paid a lot more than running backs. The running back and probably the most devalued position on the field right now. Unfortunately, he's playing running back."

Smith went on to highlight how the running back market is one that is over-saturated with talent, with star players being available on the cheap:

"Right now, if you go and look and see the list of free agents that are available at the running back position, there's probably 25 of them that are really good players... They take a beating. They really do and that's why I think it's becoming a devalued position."

The Giants will likely try and negotiate a deal for the running back over the course of the upcoming season. But even if a deal is struck, it's likely to be nowhere close to the deal Jones bagged for himself.

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Odell Beckham Jr. confirms to Saquon Barkley that he wishes to make Giants return

Saquon Barkley is set to make his mark on the Giants offense in 2023. It looks like he might get some help on that front in the form of a former teammate.

Odell Beckham Jr. recently tweeted a video of him running routes and working out ahead of the upcoming season. The tweet garnered a response from Barkley, who tweeted:

OBJ went one step further by asking Barkley to set up a call with Giants GM Joe Schoen for a move.

The mercurial wide receiver is looking to mark his return from a knee injury that kept him out for the entirety of the 2022 NFL season. Still a free agent, it might just be a matter of time before he gets snapped up by a team in New York. Green or Blue, remains to be determined.