New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley remains away from the team, “unhappy” with the franchise tag and with no designs on signing it anytime soon.
But like head coach Brian Daboll, Barkley realizes it’s only April. There’s still a long way to go before training camp and plenty of time to have differences resolved.
“Where do I stand with the Giants right now? It’s like what someone said the other day … it’s still April,” Barkley told The Morning Call. “I haven’t had conversations with Joe (Schoen) too much. So the best way I can handle it is to keep working. Whatever happens, happens.
“There are things I can’t really control right now. All I can control is how I will wake up every morning and stay with my goals and my passion. Even though I may not be with the team right now and not in the building, I don’t think anyone with the Giants is concerned about my work ethic and my teammates aren’t worried about how I’m preparing.”
Barkley had joined his teammates in Arizona for private workouts that were organized by quarterback Daniel Jones but is unable to participate in the Giants’ offseason workout program until his tender is signed.
When Barkley does finally return to the Giants, he promises greater things than we’ve already seen out of him.
“There’s still a version of 26 that a lot of people haven’t seen,” Barkley said.
The Giants and Barkley have until July 17 to work out a long-term deal.
