New York Giants owner John Mara suggests that the team is not actively trying to trade running back Saquon Barkley
Trade speculation has swirled around New York Giants star running back Saquon Barkley, and Sunday at the NFL Owners meetings in Palm Beach, Fla., owner John Mara addressed the rumors head on.
“We’re not actively shopping Saquon,” Mara told reporters Sunday.
However, Mara did suggest that if general manager Joe Schoen and/or head coach Brian Daboll aim to trade Barkley this offseason, he would not interfere with such a move.
The Giants previously picked up Barkley’s fifth-year option, and if he is not traded, the 2022 campaign could prove a pivotal season in terms of his future with the organization.
Barkley rushed for just 593 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games last season, missing four weeks due to an ankle injury, and was just one year removed from a torn ACL.
Even if the New York Giants are open to trading Barkley, as FanSided reported earlier this month, the market could be slim for the former No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft.
“Honestly, I’m not sure anyone makes a trade for Saquon,” a league source familiar with the running back market tells FanSided. “You talk about ability, durability, and talent, and unfortunately for Saquon, this is just a guy who can’t stay healthy.
“If I’m a team looking to trade for Saquon, or any running back, I’d have to ask myself ‘what am I missing?’ The Giants already paid this guy, now they want to unload him just to free up from the salary? He’s a good kid, it’s not like he needs a change of scenery, but I don’ think I’d give up $7.2 million, plus a draft pick to take on that risk.”
One general manager tells FanSided he believes Barkley’s market value is a fourth-round pick.
But, it doesn’t sound like this is an option the New York Giants are actively exploring.