New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley remains focused on the day-to-day grind of the regular season but knows that some change is potentially up ahead.
Over the past year-plus, Barkley and the Giants have butted heads in contract negotiations. The running back has sought more than the team has been willing to offer and an offseason holdout only came to an end after Barkley stood down and signed a modified version of the franchise tag.
The two sides now appear to be headed towards a similar deadlock.
General manager Joe Schoen and Barkley’s representation will soon reengage in long-term contract talks with both sides wanting to get a deal done. But similar to last offseason, there is likely to be a line in the sand. That makes Barkley’s future a bit uncertain.
“I feel like everybody is in a different position. Some people know that this is their last year here, technically. You never know, you could sign back or not. Some guys have multiple-year deals where they are here,” Barkley told reporters on Thursday. “Me personally, knowing that the future is kind of unknown, it definitely crosses your mind, but I just try to take in every moment and just enjoy my time and go out there and compete with my teammates.”
Barkley has repeatedly expressed a desire to remain with the Giants “for life” but unsuccessful contract negotiations and the constant losing have to be taking a toll.
“I think it definitely sucks more knowing — having a feeling of playing in the playoffs and going there the season prior. Obviously, that was the expectation to make the playoffs again this year, but we fell short,” he said. “There are a lot of games that we wish we could have back to be in a different scenario coming into Week 17. But that’s not the case and the case is we have two games left.”
After that, no one really knows what’s going to happen. Barkley could be back or he could be playing his final two games as a member of the Giants.
“Obviously, the future is uncertain. My contract situation last year was a hot topic, but I feel like whenever that happens, I’ll worry about that then,” he said. “So, just live in the moment, take care of these last few games, and focus on the Rams first.”
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