The news seems to be coming out of left field. After all, the 35-year old tailback is the Giants' all-time leading rusher, was a three-time Pro Bowler in 10 seasons with New York.
Things haven't been all peaches and cream for the
University of Virginia graduate, though. Shortly after retiring, he publicly criticized team quarterback Eli Manning, mocking Manning's pre-game speeches and leadership skills. The Giants won the Super Bowl the next season.He also publicly criticized head coach Tom Coughlin, and more recently "left his wife of 11 years, Ginny, for 23-year old Traci Johnson, a former NBC intern. Ginny was eight months pregnant at the time," Yahoo! Sports reports.
Possibly related, NBC then terminated Barber's lofty contract, citing its morals clause.
And almost definitely related to the news of his un-retirement is that last June, Barber reportedly could not afford to pay his divorce settlement.
Even Giants fans booed Barber "when [the] Giants unveiled their ring of honor in their new $1.6 billion stadium," according to Yahoo!
If a team does take a chance on him, history points to the Redskins being that team. And, like everyone else, he'll probably get a seven-year deal worth $50 million in guaranteed money.
Nobody has confirmed Washington's interest in Barber, but consider the Redskins one of the leading candidates.
No way the Redskins sign him while trying to get a guy who has similar off-field issues off the team (Haynesworth). Plus, I just don't see the new-look "getting younger" redskins taking a chance on a 35 year old running back who already has racked up a lot of mileage. Assuming he can get back into football shape, he really could only go to a team who is already a contender who just needs someone to split carries. New England, Pittsburgh, Green Bay, and maybe even Philadelphia? This is already getting ahead of ourselves though, because I'm 99% sure he won't be signed and will not be able to get back into shape. 4 years is a long time...
ReplyDeleteAnd if I seriously thought he was going to be signed by anyone, I might even add Chicago to the list of possible destinations.
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, no one else. Why else would anyone waste the time with him unless they thought they needed him to extend the life of their backs into the playoffs to make a run _THIS YEAR_. Anything more long term just isn't possible with him.