NFL
Giants Sign Saquon Barkley To Four-Year Contract
The New York Giants signed RB Saquon Barkley to a four-year, $31.2 million rookie contract Sunday. Like all contracts for first-round picks, Barkley’s is guaranteed. Unlike most rookie contracts, however, Barkley’s also includes a hefty signing bonus with $15 million paid immediately.
Now among the top five highest paid running backs in the NFL, Barkley will earn an estimated $8 million per season. With the inclusion of his signing bonus, Barkley will be the highest paid back in the league for 2018.
After a disappointing 2017, the Giants now look to Barkley to lead the backfield of an increasingly stacked offense. For Barkley, the 2nd overall pick in the draft, this means translating his collegiate production to the NFL.
During his three seasons at Penn State, Barkley ran for 3,843 yards and 43 touchdowns. As a dual-threat back, Barkley racked up an additional eight receiving touchdowns from 102 receptions. With such production in mind, the Giants will certainly expect Barkley’s performances to justify his price tag.
Barkley’s Financial Plan
While stories of athletes wasting millions have become remarkably common, Saquon Barkley already has a plan for his money. Following the examples of Marshawn Lynch and Rob Gronkowski, Barkley refuses to spend a cent of his salary — for now.
After escaping NCAA financial constraints, Barkley signed a handful of valuable endorsement deals straightaway. Rather than spending salary earnings during his playing career, Barkley is choosing to live exclusively on endorsement money. This is a refreshingly mature and responsible decision for any athlete to make. For a 21-year-old rookie with the temptation of a massive new signing bonus, it is especially so.
Barkley has no intention of merely stashing his paychecks, however. While adamant in his unwillingness to spend, Barkley’s goal is proactive investment. In short, he wants to amplify his salary with returns. As Barkley said himself, “I want to invest it […] and learn as I continue to make investments.” If his responsibility and willingness to learn carry from his finances to the field, Barkley with thrive in the NFL.
