Ex-Giants RB Ottis Anderson DISAGREES with Saquon Barkley’s decision about his future amid the ongoing running back pay fiasco

Anderson claims Giants would just find another player to play for them in place of Barkley.

Ex-Giants RB Ottis Anderson DISAGREES with Saquon Barkley’s decision about his future amid the ongoing running back pay fiasco

(L) Saquon Barkley and (R) Ottis Anderson (Image credit: NJ.com / Around the NFL)

Every player deserves what they are worth. That’s the modern-day motto of the NFL’s running backs. But when the teams they play for don’t listen to their demands, the players themselves have to assess other options. That is the case with Saquon Barkley, as the New York Giants’ man is one of several who have protested against the injustice they are facing. However, Ottis Anderson, who is a former Giant himself, has questioned Barkley’s decisions.

Saquon, along with Raiders Josh Jacobs and Cowboys Tony Pollard, did not see any improvement in their current contracts. They were due extensions before the 2023 season began, and the deadline day was July 17th until 4 p.m. While Barkley had already been tagged with the dreaded franchise in March, Jacobs and Pollard had hope. But that broke into pieces after their teams refused to listen to their demands.

Jacobs currently earns, through his rookie contract, around $2.5 million a year. He had hopes that it would increase and get close to what Derrick Henry was earning. But the Raiders refused and offered the league average of $10 million, which means playing with the franchise tag for a year. An outraged Josh Jacobs refused to show up for training like Saquon Barkley.

Meanwhile, several fellow running backs and analysts have shown their support. But former Giants player Ottis Anderson did not like the decision made by the 26-year-old.“That’s what’s scary about negotiating,” Anderson said. “You had money on the table—more than you have now—and now you might not play at all.”

Anderson told the New York Post, “I get where Barkley feels he wants that one big check. Two years from now, he’ll be in his seventh year, when most teams let go of running backs.”

Related: Zack Martin Net Worth 2023: How rich is the new ‘Mr. 99’?

Ottis Anderson warns Saquon Barkley that someone hungrier will take his place

Ex-Giants RB Ottis Anderson DISAGREES with Saquon Barkley’s decision about his future amid the ongoing running back pay fiasco
Saquon Barkley (Image credit: Around The NFL)

Anderson, 66, was an accomplished running back during his heyday in the 1980s. So he has a fair idea about what goes on behind the scenes. Moreover, he also understands that a player should be ready to face challenges on and off the field.

Naturally, he too would have come across such a situation and is well aware of the repercussions. When a player refuses to play, others who are fighting for that spot take their place. Anderson made Barkley aware of that fact.

“You don’t want them to let somebody else in that front door,” the Giants‘ Ring of Honor holder said. “Those kids are hungry too.” He reminded Barkley that there are others who don’t even earn as much as he does. They would be happy to see a player just drop out.

Although Barkley promised not to return for training, he should be concerned. Because the Giants already signed a backup in the form of Eric Gray. He was a fifth-round pick out of Oklahoma. While the team may see a dip in output from the rookie, they won’t have to pay as much as Saquon.

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