Giants' running backs land in Top 10 of PFF's backfield rankings
It is no secret that Saquon Barkley is widely considered one of the top running backs and overall players in the NFL. This week, his NFL peers voted him as the No. 31 player in the league's "Top 100 Players of 2020" rankings after he rushed for over 1,000 yards last season, despite missing three and a half games due to a high ankle sprain. Barkley became the first running back in team history to reach the 1,000-yard rushing mark in each of his first two seasons.
The Giants signed veteran back Dion Lewis this offseason to join Barkley in the running backs room. While he accumulated nearly 400 yards from scrimmage last season, Lewis had totaled just over 2,000 yards from scrimmage from 2017-2018 with 11 total touchdowns.
Additionally, Wayne Gallman returns for his fourth season with the team. Gallman saw limited action in 2019, but did find success when filling in for Barkley in Week 4. Going up against Washington at MetLife Stadium, the former Clemson Tiger carried the ball 18 times for 63 yards and a touchdown while catching six passes for 55 yards and an additional score.
Pro Football Focus recently ranked all 32 backfields across the NFL, and the Giants found their way into the top 10, coming in at No. 10.
As Steve Palazzolo of PFF writes, "Few running backs have the big-play potential of Saquon Barkley, as he can seemingly take it to the house at any time. Last season, he was unable to sustain the breakaway runs that defined his rookie season — he had seven 40-plus-yard carries that season — but such is the volatile nature of running back production. Barkley still must improve when it comes to just taking what is there, but one of these years the Giants' run blocking will improve, and he could go off for a monster statistical season. Most importantly, though, Barkley is a weapon in the passing game, and he's forced 42 missed tackles on only 143 career receptions so far.
The Giants also add Dion Lewis into the mix. Lewis is another elusive back who is coming off a 59.8 overall grade with the Titans, a career-low mark. He is capable of taking some of the pressure off Barkley when it comes to catching passes out of the backfield, however, as the former Patriot has two seasons in which he forced at least 15 missed tackles after the catch. Wayne Gallman then rounds out the group as the No. 3 option who is set to enter the last year of his rookie contract.
Barkley is one of the league's best all-around running backs, so if Lewis can return to past form, this duo could give the Giants one of the most dynamic units in the league."
Nate Solder opts out of 2020 season
Giants left tackle Nate Solder, who started every game the previous two seasons, has opted out of the 2020 NFL season due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Under the agreement reached last week between the NFL and the Players Association, players can choose not to play in the upcoming season without penalty. The opt-out is irrevocable.
"My family and I have been praying, wrestling and listening to God about our current circumstances and whether it is best that I play football this season," Solder said in a statement he posted on Twitter. "Our primary goal is to pursue God and listen to the Holy Spirit in everything we do. As hard as that can be and as daunting as what He asks us to do can seem, we have come to believe, trust and wait on the Lord. That is why we have chosen to pause for this season. Our family has health concerns, most notably our son's ongoing battle with cancer, as well as my own bout with cancer. We also welcomed a new addition to our family this spring, a baby boy. With fear and trembling, we struggle to keep our priorities in order and, for us, our children's health and the health of our neighbors comes before football.
"We fully recognize that being able to make a decision like this is a privilege. I will deeply miss my teammates, coaches and everyone in the Giants organization. I want to thank them and all my friends and fans who continue to support me and my family through the highs and the lows. As scary and bleak as it sometimes can be, we know that the God of the universe has all things under His control, and His plans are and will always be for our good."
The Giants are fully supportive of Solder's decision.
"We have great respect for Nate as a person and player," general manager Dave Gettleman said. "When he called today, I told him it is faith, family and football. He is doing what's best for his family."
Solder was with New England for the first seven seasons of his career, including the last six (2012-17) when Giants head coach Joe Judge was with the Patriots as an assistant to Bill Belichick.
"I spoke with Nate this morning," Judge said. "We were together in New England, obviously, and he has always been a thoughtful, conscientious person. Ultimately, he made this decision because it is the right thing for him and his family. We support Nate and Lexi and their children (son) Hudson, (daughter) Charlie and (son) Emerson. Our concern is for their health and well-being."
View photos of Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder.
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) blocks during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Bills defeated the Giants, 28-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) blocks during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants in overtime, 23-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants' Saquon Barkley, right, celebrates his touchdown with teammate Nate Solder during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
New York Giants tackle Nate Solder (76) blocks during an NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants 23-17. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) blocks during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants in overtime, 23-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) blocks during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants in overtime, 23-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) plays against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants tackle Nate Solder (76) lines up in a two-point stance during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019, in Chicago. The Bear defeated the Giants 19-14. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants offensive lineman Nate Solder (76) blocks during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Colts 19-14. (Greg Trott via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) blocks during an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday Nov. 10, 2019 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets defeated the Giants 34-27. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday November 24, 2019 in Chicago (Evan Pinkus via AP)
OT Nate Solder (76) signs autographs after practice at New York Giants Training Camp 2019 at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) runs during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 in Chicago. The Bears defeated the Giants 19-14. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) lines up on the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Dallas won 37-18. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants offensive lineman Nate Solder (76) blocks during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Detroit. The Lions defeated the Giants 31-26. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) blocks during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Arizona won 27-21. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) in action against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. (AP Images/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants offensive lineman Nate Solder (76) blocks during an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Detroit. The Lions defeated the Giants 31-26. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) lines up on the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Nov. 4, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Dallas won 37-18. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) lines up on the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Arizona won 27-21. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants Offensive Line helps at the Food Bank for NYC in Harlem, New York
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) blocks during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Arizona won 27-21. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) blocks New England Patriots defensive end John Simon (55) during an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. New England won 35-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) lines up on the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. Arizona won 27-21. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder looks to block against the New England Patriots during an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. (Winslow Townson/AP Images for Panini)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday October 6, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) lines up on the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. New England won 35-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder lines up for a play against his former team the New England Patriots in the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) blocks during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Giants, 35-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday October 6, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. The Giants won 31-31. (Paul Abell via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) gets set at the line of scrimmage prior to the snap during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Bills defeated the Giants, 28-14. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder waits for the snap during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday September 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. The Giants won 31-31. (Paul Abell via AP)
New York Giants offensive lineman Nate Solder (76) blocks during an NFL preseason football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019 in Cincinnati. The Giants defeated the Bengals 25-23. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. The Giants won 31-31. (Paul Abell via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) defends against the rush by the Dallas Cowboys during a NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019 in Tampa, Fla. The Giants won 31-31. (Paul Abell via AP)
New York Giants offensive lineman Nate Solder (76) rests during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday Sept. 8, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Giants 35-17. (Greg Trott via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday September 8, 2019 in Arlington,Texas. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder waits for the snap of the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) talks with former teammate New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) following a NFL football preseason game Thursday, August 28, 2019 in Foxborough, Mass. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) runs during an NFL preseason football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019 in Cincinnati. The Giants defeated the Bengals 25-23. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) during a week 13 NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday December 2, 2018 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants tackle Nate Solder (76) pass blocks in action against the Tennessee Titans Sunday December 16, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Giants tackle Nate Solder (76) blocks during an NFL game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, Landover, MD. The Giants defeated the Redskins 40-16. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) lines up on the line of scrimmage during a week 11 NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. New York won 38-35. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Dallas Cowboys' Maliek Collins, left, goes up against New York Giants' Nate Solder during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec., 30, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants Offensive Line helps at the Food Bank for NYC in Harlem, New York
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) during a week 12 NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday November 25, 2018 in Philadelphia. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) walks off the field after the NFL week 10 regular season football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 in Santa Clara, Calif. The Giants won the game 27-23. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Giants Offensive Line helps at the Food Bank for NYC in Harlem, New York
New York Giants tackle Nate Solder (76) blocks during an NFL game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, Landover, MD. The Giants defeated the Redskins 40-16. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) lines up on the line of scrimmage during a week 12 NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018 in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 25-22. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) blocks during a week 12 NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018 in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 25-22. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants tackle Nate Solder (76) in action against Chicago Bears linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
New York Giants tackle Nate Solder (76) blocks during an NFL game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018, Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants 25-22. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) blocks during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Monday, Oct. 22, 2018 in Atlanta. The Falcons won 23-20. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. (Tom DiPace via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) blocks Washington Redskins linebacker Preston Smith (94) during a week 8 NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. Washington won 20-13. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants Offensive Line helps at the Food Bank for NYC in Harlem, New York
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) in action during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday, Nov. 12, 2018, in Santa Clara, Calif. The Giants defeated the 49ers, 27-23. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) in action during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Giants, 20-13. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder gets set a the line prior to a play against the Dallas Cowboys during a NFL football game, Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys won, 20-13. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) during a week 4 NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday September 30, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) runs during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jaguars won 20-15. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) talks with Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Cameron Fleming (75) following a week 2 NFL football game on Sunday September 16, 2018 in Arlington, Texas (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants offensive lineman Nate Solder (76) waits for the snap during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018 in Houston. (Greg Trott via AP)
New York Giants Offensive Line helps at the Food Bank for NYC in Harlem, New York
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) runs during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jaguars won 20-15. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) blocks during a NFL preseason football game against the New York Jets on Friday, Aug. 24, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. New York Giants won 22-16. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) blocks New York Jets linebacker Josh Martin (95) during a NFL preseason football game on Friday, Aug. 24, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. New York Giants won 22-16. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) during a preseason NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Friday August 17, 2018 in Detroit (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) during a preseason NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Friday August 17, 2018 in Detroit (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) during a preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets on Friday August 24, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) during a preseason NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Friday August 17, 2018 in Detroit (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) lines up on the line of scrimmage during a NFL preseason football game against the New York Jets on Friday, Aug. 24, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. New York Giants won 22-16. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Photos: Players begin to arrive at training camp
Giants players have begun to arrive in East Rutherford for the start of training camp.
Check out the gallery below for photos of Giants rookies, quarterbacks, and several veterans arriving for the start of camp.
View photos of Giants players as they arrive at training camp.
OT Andrew Thomas
TE Evan Engram
WR Corey Coleman
OT Andrew Thomas
OT Matt Peart
WR Corey Coleman
DL Chris Slayton
WR Austin Mack
RB Sandro Platzgummer
WR Corey Coleman
FB George Aston
OL Shane Lemieux
OLB Oshane Ximines
WR Binjimen Victor
TE Evan Engram
DB Chris Williamson
OT Andrew Thomas
DB Dravon Askew-Henry
DB Christian Angulo
OT Kyle Murphy
WR Derrick Dillon
OLB Oshane Ximines
LB Carter Coughlin
DE Oluwole Betiku
DB Chris Williamson
QB Colt McCoy
RB Javon Leake
LB Carter Coughlin
S Xavier McKinney
DB Jaquarius Landrews
DE Dana Levine
S Xavier McKinney
S Xavier McKinney
DE Niko Lalos
LB TJ Brunson
TE Evan Engram
QB Colt McCoy
LB Cam Brown
Giants App
Download the Giants' official app for iPhone, iPad and Android devices
