Emmitt Smith, Jerome Bettis Analyze Saquon Barkley Contract Talks
Saquon Barkley wanted to revolutionize the running back position when he left Penn State for the NFL in 2017. Now, Hall of Fame running backs Jerome Bettis and Emmitt Smith believe that Barkley will reshape the NFL running back market.
Bettis and Smith said Barkley's contract situation with the New York Giants is "disappointing," particularly as it appears to devalue the running back position in the NFL. The Giants and Barkley could not reach terms on a multiyear contract, meaning Barkley would have to play the 2023 season on the franchise tag. Barkley has said that he would consider sitting out the season.
In interviews with Sports Illustrated at the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship, Bettis and Smith understandably sided with Barkley. Further, both suggested that Barkley could pioneer a re-evaluation of the running back position in the NFL.
"The situation right now in New York, that's really showing that he's worth the money, but now because the devaluation has happened, the team is less likely to want to give him the money that he deserves," Bettis said in an interview. "That's where we have to figure out what happens. What Saquon does will determine the future of that running back position."
Smith said Barkley's situation "bugs me completely," since it points to a game geared to passing, statistics and betting. "It's really about high scoring, high statistics, Fanduel and all the other fantasy football levels," Smith said.
"All the kids are playing Madden, all the adults are playing Madden, even the college kids are playing Madden," Smith added. "And in Madden, you throw the ball almost 90 percent of the time. So they're taking the stats they get from Madden and other games and applying it to real life. You're going to see a lot of things come from AI that are predictable, and the unpredictable things is what the running game brings to the table: stability, foundation, time of possession, confidence and courage. And when the quarterback is not playing well, they lean on the running game."
Check out more from Bettis and Smith here.
More on Penn State
Penn State Basketball on SI.com
Talking defense with Penn State's Manny Diaz
Penn State looks for KeAndre Lambert-Smith to be a No. 1
The Lions extend their 2024 recruiting success in Pennsylvania
Penn State adds two receivers to 2024 recruiting class
Former Oregon commit Tyseer Denmark changes course to Penn State
Penn State tight end Theo Johnson admitted to ARD program
Penn State commit Ethan Grunkemeyer shines at Elite 11
Why Penn State having no Big Ten rivalry games might be a good thing for the Lions
Penn State's future football schedules will include no protected rivals
Penn State's top two collectives merge to form Happy Valley United
AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.
