The New York Giants and Saquon Barkley have failed to reach a contract extension. Although July 17th is the deadline for both sides, many fans are left wondering if a deal will be reached. Can the Giants survive without Saquon?
Let’s face it. Barkley is a focal point in this Giants’ offense and will be depended on in 2023. That is, if he even steps on the field. Despite the fact New York would love him back on the field soon, it’s worth considering the alternatives if Saquon misses part of the regular season.
No deal, no play. Let’s see who steps up if Barkley doesn’t suit up for Big Blue.
Matt Breida
Signed in 2022 as a free agent, the veteran back was a serviceable backup last season. Breida appeared in all 17 games last year, rushing 54 times for 220 yards and a touchdown. He also recorded 20 receptions.
Although he’s not the type of back you can ground and pound up the middle with, his speed is what you depend on.
Matt Breida puts the Giants on the board! pic.twitter.com/apcdAXAajU
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) January 22, 2023
With the lack of experience in the room, Breida likely will have the first shot at replacing Barkley in the starting lineup.
Eric Gray
The 23-year-old was selected in the fifth round by the Giants this year. Standing at 5’10”, he started his career at the University of Tennessee. He appeared in 22 games for the Volunteers, rushing for eight touchdowns and 1311 yards.
For the 2021 and 2022 seasons, he would take his talents to the University of Oklahoma. Despite a down season in his first year as a Sooner, he bounced back as a senior. As the full-time starter, he played 12 games and rushed for 1,366 yards on 213 carries. Not to mention, he had a career-high 11 touchdowns.
Eric Gray can make guys MISS pic.twitter.com/DHVUIft2u6
— Talkin’ Giants (@TalkinGiants) May 24, 2023
The ability to make defenders miss and accelerate past the second level stands out. Shiftiness would be the best word to describe Gray’s skillset as a running back. Not overly powerful, but he won’t shy away from contact.
Concerns include a lack of home-run speed to create big plays and a tendency to run out wide instead of going downhill. However, there’s no question Gray can step in and be depended on if need be. He can catch passes out of the backfield and block, which is great to see.
Gary Brightwell
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A sixth-round pick from 2021, Brightwell has not appeared much for Big Blue. Last season was actually a career year for him, running for 141 yards on 31 carries.
Gary Brightwell first NFL Touchdown and the Giants tie it up!!!! pic.twitter.com/73jrMc2Vpf
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) October 9, 2022
Gary Brightwell breaking tackles ?
— New York Giants (@Giants) October 16, 2022
?: CBS pic.twitter.com/CRQeg8ACU3
His best game was against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 18, where he ran for 60 yards on 11 carries. But, I don’t expect him to see the field once more unless Gray and/or Breida go down with injuries. Special teams are where Brightwell will see the most playing time. That is if he remains on the roster.
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