Jordan Raanan, ESPN Body of workers Editor
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Working again Saquon Barkley made his intentions crystal cloudless with the NFL’s business closing date lower than two weeks away: He needs to stay with the New York Giants.
The business closing date is 4 p.m. ET on Oct. 31.
“Sitting here, everyone knows how I feel. Everyone knows I don’t want to get traded,” Barkley stated. “I don’t think anyone in their right mind would want to get traded anywhere. It’s not an easy thing to do. You have to move. I have a family. I would love to be here.
“However like I stated, it’s no longer in my keep watch over. My focal point is to be the chief I will be able to be for this staff and get this factor on course.”
Barkley and the Giants (1-5) host the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
This will be Barkley’s second game back after missing three games because of a high ankle sprain. He rushed for 93 yards on 24 carries in Sunday night’s 14-9 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
The No. 2 overall pick by the Giants in the 2018 NFL draft has 207 yards rushing and two total touchdowns so far this season.
The argument can be made for the struggling Giants to start moving players. This season, to date, has been an unmitigated disaster, a surprise on the heels of last season’s success when New York reached the postseason and won a playoff game in its first year under general manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll.
Barkley remained healthy the entire 2022 season and finished with a career-high 1,307 yards rushing. But he was unable to reach agreement on a long-term deal with the Giants and instead settled for an adjusted franchise tag on the first day of training camp that included an extra $1 million available in incentives.
The veteran running back did not partake in the team’s offseason workout program this spring as they tried to work out the contract situation.
Barkley is set to become a free agent again at the end of this season. The Giants still have the option to use the franchise tag for a second straight year.
This uncertainty gives credence to the idea that moving Barkley at the deadline could be best for the player and the organization. Not that it’s something Barkley has considered.
“That by no means crossed my thoughts,” he said. “Clearly I’ve been society and vocal about how I think about this group and the place I wish to be. However like I stated, understanding the trade and optical that aspect of it, there are several of items that I will be able to’t keep watch over.”
Barkley insists a trade isn’t something he has even discussed with his personal team. He doesn’t believe it’s worth his time.
In the meantime, he has other things to capture his attention.
“It’s no longer in reality blocking off it out. I will be able to’t keep watch over that. It’s no longer like I’m ready to build any choices or have any say in that,” Barkley said. “Most effective say I’ve is the way in which I display as much as paintings and the way in which I walk available in the market and compete. That’s the issues I will be able to keep watch over.”
