By: Erin Hughes
Edited By: Kylie Augis
The big news that comes out of NFL training camps usually has to deal with contract extensions, problematic players, and hopeful wishes for the upcoming season. However, this offseason we are seeing a rise of players in uneasy legal situations and players sustaining odd injuries along with the typical contract talks. Let’s get into some of the predicaments players have found themselves in, some of the contract talk, and some of the funny stories coming out of camps.
Saquon Barkley
On Tuesday, July 25, news broke from the New York Giants camp that they have agreed to terms with star running back Saquon Barkley for a one-year, up to $11 million deal. The Giants placed a franchise tag on Barkley on March 7, but failed to reach a long term deal before the July 17 deadline. NJ.com even reported on July 22 that Barkley even scrubbed any mention of the franchise from his social media bios. Before Barkley signed his contract, the Giants signed Jets running back, James Robinson, leading many to question what kind of deal Barkley would get. ESPN has reported that the contract has up to $909,000 worth of incentives for 1,350 rushing yards and a playoff berth, 11 touchdowns, and 65 receptions. Signing this contract allowed Barkley to do what he said he wanted to do all along: go to the first day of training camp with his teammates.
Tyreek Hill
Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill found himself in hot water back in June when he was under investigation for allegations of assault/battery at a marina in Miami Beach, as reported by ESPN. Hill was under investigation for allegedly hitting a marina employee on the back of the head during a “disagreement”. While no charges were filed against Hill at the time of the Miami Dade Police Department investigation, the star wide receiver has reached a settlement with the other party involved. In a joint statement, the attorneys stated that “the parties…have resolved their differences” and had reached an agreement.
Trevon Diggs
Trevon Diggs has been beloved by Cowboys fans and front office alike since his arrival in 2020. Being a homegrown talent, the Cowboys were keen on getting their Pro Bowl cornerback to sign a long term deal. Sources told ESPN that the Cowboys inked a five year deal with their cornerback that is worth $97 million and has a $21.25 signing bonus with $42.3 million guaranteed. Following the 2023 season, Diggs was supposed to be an unrestricted free agent but will now be staying in Dallas until at least 2028. Diggs is tied for the fourth most career interceptions through his first three seasons with 17. In his three seasons, Diggs was selected for the Pro Bowl twice and was first-team All Pro as a rookie following a season where he recorded the most interceptions by a Cowboys rookie in franchise history as detailed by The Landry Hat.
Sauce Gardner + Aaron Rodgers
When Aaron Rodgers signed with the New York Jets this offseason, many wondered how well the 39-year-old veteran quarterback would fit in with a relatively young Jets lineup. Fans were able to see just how well Rodgers has acclimated to his new life in New York when one of his cornerbacks, and 2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year, Sauce Gardner and Gardner’s personal jeweler gifted Rodgers some new ice. Rodgers proudly rocked a number 8 chain that contained diamonds and outlined in emeralds along with Rodger’s name and “New York Jets” written on the edges of the figure.
Justin Herbert
July 25 was a big day for blockbuster signings with Saquon Barkley and Trevon Diggs both signing their long-awaited contracts that day and Chargers QB Justin Herbert wanted to join in on the fun. In the spirit of following fellow young QBs Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson, Herbert became the newest highest paid quarterback in NFL history when he and the Bolts agreed to a five-year, $262.5 million contract extension. Though Herbert still had two years left on his rookie contract and was set to earn about $8 million this year, he will now be earning much more. Herbert is now set to stay in LA at least through the 2029 season and the Chargers finally got their franchise quarterback.
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