Since his arrival to the Cowboys in 2021, Micah Parsons has made himself noticed not only on the pitch, but also on social media. Before we have seen how the linebacker has used his Twitter account to recruit players and criticize rules or regulations in the NFL. Now, Parsons has gone viral for something unusual: defending a division rival.
The defendant in question is Saquon Barkley, running back for the New York Giants. It was revealed midweek that Barkley will not be signing the franchise tag he received in March. Because of this, he will not be eligible to participate in the New York team’s offseason training program, which will begin this Monday.
I’m told Saquon Barkley will not be signing the franchise tag & therefore will not be eligible to participate when the #NYG offseason program begins Monday. More to come on @NewsdaySports.
— Kim Jones (@KimJonesSports) April 12, 2023
Logically, this is a pressure measure on the part of Barkley seeking a contract extension with the Giants. This, it is worth noting, after recovering the best version of him in 2022 after two seasons marked by injuries and low production in general. In fact, the Penn State product had his best season since joining the NFL, recording 295 carries for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns, along with 57 receptions for 338 yards.
However, analysts and reporters who cover the team argue that Saquon Barkley should not receive an extension. One of the arguments raised is a decline in the running back’s production over the course of 2022 (931 yards in the first 9 games, and just 359 in the rest of the regular season). And that’s where Micah Parsons came to the defense of his divisional rival via Twitter.
I mean yeah that’s what happens when you the best players on your team you idiot!! The scheme on Monday morning is we well not let SAQUON BARKLEY BEAT Us!! People just think we be out here playing free for all!! ???????????? like gtfo! That mf is that offense! Pay him! https://t.co/8kzjHO6z7c
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) April 13, 2023
“That’s what happens when you have the best players on your team, idiot!”Parsons said, citing one of Barkley’s critics. “The scheme for Monday morning is that we don’t let Saquon Barkley beat us! People just think we’re out there playing a free for all. That son of a bitch is the (Giants) offense! Pay him!”
Beyond defending another Penn State product like him, Parsons has a point. What’s more, he can feel completely identified. In 2022, the linebacker had a great start to the season, and was aiming to break the sack record. Nonetheless, Parsons’ production dipped over the course of the season. Beyond the wear, many noted the cause: the rivals were prepared to neutralize Parsons.
And, as Parsons himself confirmed in the aforementioned tweet, the same thing happened with Saquon Barkley.
Although he is a division rival, Parsons is being more of a supportive colleague so that other players receive the money they deserve. However, Barkley’s situation facing an extension is not so simple.
Saquon Barkley catch vs Cowboys ????#NFL #Giants pic.twitter.com/FDm2gl5ov5
— nftdocs.io (@nftdocsio) December 19, 2021
It’s no secret to anyone that the running back position is devaluing in the NFL. The decline in production for running backs usually begins around age 27, much earlier than at other positions. Therefore, it is unprofitable to pay large spreads to players whose numbers will dwindle as they approach their 30s. Many teams even want to avoid what Dallas did with the extension of Ezekiel Elliott.
Because of that, we’ve seen brokers get contracts this year for well under $10 million a year. Such is the case with Devin Singletary (Texans, $3.75 million) and David Montgomery (Lions, $6 million). Even Tony Pollard signed the franchise tag with Dallas to secure a salary of $10.09 million this year. And that’s the same as that label would cost for Barkley.
Lastly, let’s remember that this year’s draft class comes with a lot of flashy prospects at running back, starting with Bijan Robinson. Financially, it would be more profitable for the Giants to take a young running back than to pay Barkley a multi-year extension and a salary in excess of $10 million. This, it is worth mentioning, even though Micah Parsons thinks that he deserves it.
Without a doubt, the future of Saquon Barkley will be the topic of conversation in the NFL in the coming days. Although the running back surpassed the numbers of his rookie year in 2022, he must prove that he is worth the money he is aspiring to. And not only that, but he can also stay healthy and productive, avoiding the dreaded decline due to age in his position. It remains to be seen then if Barkley will still be in the NFC East in 2023, or if he ends up with another team.
2023-04-16 22:26:41
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