Saquon Barkley could be gearing up for his final games with the Giants, should the only NFL team he has ever known decide to dump assets to accelerate its retooling.
Barkley, despite contentious negotiations dating back to last season resulted in being franchise tagged, has consistently voiced his desire to be a Giant for life, and even as Big Blue faces a 1-6 start heading into a matchup with the Commanders on Sunday, Barkley wants to keep New York his home.
“I can’t control that. It’s not like I’m able to make any decisions or have any say in that,” Barkley told reporters on Thursday. “The only thing I have a say in is the way I show up to work and the way I compete. Those are the things I can control.
“I've been public and vocal about how I feel about this organization and where I want to be. But like I said, knowing the business and seeing that side of it, there are a lot of things I can’t control. Everyone knows how I feel. Everyone knows I don't want to get traded. I don’t think anybody in their right mind would want to get traded anywhere. It’s not an easy thing to do. You gotta move. I have a family.”
Barkley, who could be hit with the franchise tag again this offseason, would be one of the top running backs on the market at the trade deadline, along with Derrick Henry, should the Titans make him available. The Giants could net valuable draft capital should they decide to move Barkley, but they would lose their top offensive weapon and a lifelong Giant. If it were up to Barkley, he would stay put, but it will be up to Joe Schoen and company.
“I would love to be here, but it’s not in my control,” Barkley said. “My focus is on being a leader for this team and getting this thing on the right track.”