One of the biggest deals in NFL running back history was gifted to Christian McCaffery of the Carolina Panthers last month, as the former Stanford Cardinal will be making $64 million over the next four seasons. McCaffery's deal set a new high for running backs with a year to go before New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley will become eligible for an extension with the Giants.

When asked about his thoughts on the deal, running back Barkley said that while he is happy for McCaffery, he would rather the New York Giants take care of the pieces around him first before he gets his big payday and is otherwise just focusing on being a locker room leader. Via Ralph Vacchiano of SNY, Barkley said:

“I’m a big believer in taking care of the little things first. I’m going to be the best player and leader I can be. If I take care of that, the rest will take care of itself.”

In the same interview, Barkley expressed his praise in the New York Giants' 2020 NFL draft class, headlined by former Georgia Bulldog offensive tackle Andrew Thomas being taken with the fourth overall pick in the draft:

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After being selected with another top-five pick in 2018, Barkley will likely be getting a big payday of his own for a stellar two seasons. He has already posted 2,310 rushing yards, 1,159 receiving yards, an impressive 4.8 yards per carry and 23 total touchdowns over 29 games.
These solid stats helped Barkley earn the honor of Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year in the 2018 season, as well as a Pro Bowl bid.
The New York Giants have the opportunity to spend their cap space on talented players to surround Barkley while he is still on his rookie deal, as the former Nittany Lion is supposed to make less than $8 million combined over the next two seasons.