NFL Fans Shocked Over How Much Saquon Barkley Loses in Taxes From His New Contract

Saquon Barkley has been one of the most electrifying running backs in the NFL since being drafted by the New York Giants in 2018.

Known for his explosive plays and game-changing ability, Barkley recently secured a lucrative new contract.

However, while the dollar figure on paper might look like a massive payday, the reality of how much he takes home after taxes has left NFL fans in complete disbelief.

The staggering amount deducted from his salary due to federal, state, and other taxes has sparked widespread discussion among fans and financial experts alike.

Saquon Barkley’s Lucrative Deal: A Dream Contract?

Barkley entered the 2024 offseason as one of the most sought-after free agents.

After years of negotiations and speculation about his future with the Giants, the talented running back ultimately secured a major payday with a new team.

His contract, reportedly worth millions over multiple years, was initially celebrated as a huge win for both Barkley and his new franchise.

NFL contracts are typically announced in their total value, often leaving fans under the impression that players are walking away with every cent of those figures.

However, the reality is far from that. Taxes, agent fees, and other deductions significantly cut into the take-home pay of professional athletes, and Barkley’s case is no different.

How Much Is Saquon Barkley Really Taking Home?

Despite signing a multi-million-dollar contract, the amount Barkley will actually see in his bank account is dramatically lower than what fans might expect.

His earnings are subject to heavy taxation at both the federal and state levels, particularly since he plays in a high-tax state.

Federal Income Tax Takes a Huge Cut

The highest federal income tax bracket in the United States currently sits at 37%.

Given Barkley’s earnings, a substantial portion of his salary falls into this category. That means nearly 40% of his contract is immediately sliced off the top to cover federal taxes.

State and Local Taxes Further Reduce His Income

If Barkley continues playing in a state with high income tax, such as New York or California, he could be paying an additional 10-13% of his earnings in state and local taxes.

If he moves to a franchise in a state with no income tax, like Florida or Texas, he could retain more of his income.

However, New York’s steep tax rates mean that for a significant portion of his career earnings, he has been paying among the highest state taxes in the country.

Agent Fees and Additional Deductions

On top of taxes, NFL players also pay agent fees, which typically range from 1.5% to 3% of their contract value.

This fee ensures that players have professionals negotiating the best possible deals on their behalf, but it further reduces their take-home earnings.

Additionally, other expenses, such as union dues and financial management fees, also chip away at Barkley’s earnings.

NFL Fans React: “I’d Be So Pissed”

When the breakdown of Barkley’s post-tax income began circulating online, NFL fans couldn’t believe how little he would actually be taking home.

Many took to social media to express their shock and frustration, with some saying, “I’d be so pissed if I lost that much of my contract.”

Others pointed out that while Barkley is still making an enormous amount of money compared to the average person, the high tax burden on professional athletes is difficult to ignore.

Some fans also expressed concern over the fairness of such high taxation, questioning whether states with lower tax rates should be more attractive to free agents.

The idea that top-tier athletes could save millions simply by signing with a team in a no-income-tax state has long been a factor in sports contract negotiations.

The Bigger Picture: High Taxes in Professional Sports

Barkley’s situation is far from unique. Across professional sports, top athletes frequently see significant portions of their salaries deducted due to taxes.

In the NFL, NBA, and MLB, players signing massive contracts often end up with far less than the reported value.

Comparing Tax Burdens Across the League

Players in states with no income tax, such as Texas (Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans), Florida (Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers), and Tennessee (Tennessee Titans), take home more money from their contracts than players in states with higher tax rates like California (San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers) and New York (New York Giants, New York Jets, Buffalo Bills). This discrepancy has led some free agents to prioritize teams in tax-friendly states when deciding on their next contract.

Financial Planning for Athletes

Because of these significant tax burdens, financial advisors play a crucial role in helping athletes manage their money.

Smart investment strategies, tax planning, and diversified income streams are essential for athletes looking to maximize their earnings and secure financial stability long after their playing careers end.

What’s Next for Saquon Barkley?

Despite the shock over his post-tax income, Barkley remains in an enviable financial position.

With the right financial planning, endorsements, and investment strategies, he can continue building wealth beyond his NFL contract. He also remains a star player, which means further opportunities for lucrative deals, sponsorships, and business ventures.

Still, his tax burden serves as a reminder that professional athletes don’t take home as much money as their contracts suggest.

While fans may envy the reported figures, the reality is that a massive portion of those earnings goes toward taxes and other expenses.

Final Thoughts: The Reality of NFL Contracts

Saquon Barkley’s situation has sparked widespread discussion among NFL fans and financial analysts alike.

While he remains one of the highest-paid running backs in the league, the shocking reality of how much money is deducted from his contract has left many fans stunned.

The combination of federal and state taxes, agent fees, and other deductions significantly reduces the amount he actually takes home, serving as an eye-opener for many who assume that professional athletes simply pocket every dollar of their deals.

For future free agents and rising stars in the league, financial literacy and tax planning will remain essential components of navigating the business side of the NFL.

As Barkley continues to shine on the field, his financial future will depend on smart money management, wise investments, and strategic decision-making regarding his earnings.

In the end, while Barkley’s contract may not be as lucrative as it appears at first glance, there’s no doubt he’s still in a position to build generational wealth—provided he plays his financial cards right.