Jones hoping Barkley, Giants can resolve contract dispute

With Saquon Barkley still in the midst of a contract dispute with the New York Giants, quarterback Daniel Jones just wants his star teammate back in the backfield.

"We're talking all the time, staying in touch, getting together when we can," Jones told Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post. "I know he's got a lot going on, and I really hope the two sides can come together."

Barkley has yet to sign New York's $10.1-million franchise tag in hopes of negotiating a long-term contract. The two sides have until July 17 to come to terms on an agreement.

As a result of Barkley's contract status, the rusher missed OTAs and minicamp. However, he and Jones worked out together in New Jersey on Sunday.

"Saquon is always working hard, he's always going to be in good shape, he's always going to look good," Jones said. "Anyone who has been around him is going to expect that from him."

Barkley racked up 1,650 scrimmage yards last season, which ranked seventh in the league. It was his best season since he led the league with 2,028 scrimmage yards as a rookie in 2018.

The 26-year-old Barkley's resurgence helped the Giants end a five-year playoff drought, but they lost 38-7 in the divisional round against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jones is hoping to improve upon that result next season.

"We feel like we made progress last year and took a step," he said. "But what we do from this point on, you start over. It's about what you do now. We had a good spring, and we have to roll that into training camp and make sure we do everything we can."

Jones signed a four-year, $160-million contract this offseason. He has a 21-31-1 record in 53 career starts, totaling 13,311 yards and 72 touchdowns.