Saquon Barkley and the Giants did not come to an agreement on a new contract before the deadline on Monday, leaving many to wonder what is next for the star running back.
Evan doesn’t believe Barkley would sit out any games, and now, if he were the Giants, he would strongly consider moving on from Barkley at the end of this season.
“Next year, let’s say he has a great year,” Evan said. “Now he’s 27 years old. I’d probably trade him. I probably don’t even tag him again. I don’t work out a long-term contract, because at 27 years old, coming off what would be two really good years in a row where you’re playing a lot of games, what more am I getting out of you?
“I would trade him, I would max out on him, and I’d draft another running back in the third round that I hope can turn into 80 percent of what Saquon Barkley is.”
Barkley is a lifelong Giant, a former No. 2 overall pick, a two-time Pro Bowler, and a three-time 1,000-yard rusher who helped lead Big Blue to an improbable playoff berth, and a playoff victory, last season. But, as Evan noted, the landscape for running back in today’s NFL is not one of loyalty, and if Barkley adds another 250 carries on his legs this season, it might be smart for Big Blue to move on, even if it seems harsh.
“That’s the unfortunate business of being a running back in the NFL,” Evan said. “As much as those jerseys sell…Joe Schoen is not in the business of, ‘Hey, does the 12-year-old kid like Saquon Barkley?’ He’s in the business of running a football team.”
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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