New York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux said his team should've given running back Saquon Barkley a long-term contract before paying quarterback Daniel Jones.
"If you look at the game, the tape, Saquon was responsible for at least 30% of our explosive plays, talking about the year we won the playoff game," Thibodeaux said on the "7PM in Brooklyn" podcast.
He added: "I feel like Saquon should have got paid first. That's what I feel."
New York placed the franchise tag on Barkley and signed Jones to a four-year, $160-million deal last March. Barkley ultimately agreed to a one-year, $11-million contract with the club before training camp.
The 26-year-old Barkley had a tremendous 2022 campaign, totaling 1,650 yards on 352 touches with 10 touchdowns. He was responsible for 27.7% of the team's total yards from scrimmage.
Jones had a solid year, setting career highs in passing yards (3,205) and rushing yards (708). However, the Giants' offense was very limited in the passing game. The Duke product only completed 10 throws of 20-plus yards; 49.6% of his attempts came under 10 yards, according to PFF. New York lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round after going 9-7-1 in the regular season.
Barkley is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March. He had 962 rushing yards and six touchdowns in the 2023 season.
