Did NY Giants running back Saquon Barkley play his final game with the organization last week against the Eagles? This is something people all over New York and New Jersey continue to think about, as No. 26 could head towards free agency in the coming months.
However, the door is still open for general manager Joe Schoen to either give him a multi-year contract, or place Saquon on the franchise tag again. Bringing Barkley back to make plays for this offense is what a lot of fans want, but according to insider Ralph Vacchiano, Barkley suiting up elsewhere is looking more likely at this point:
The Giants and RB Saquon Barkley are “probably headed towards a divorce”, per @RalphVacchiano
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) January 10, 2024
Barkley played on the franchise tag this season, he’ll be an unrestricted free agent in March. pic.twitter.com/PYXaFkwtD3
NY Giants running back Saquon Barkley could join a new team this offseason
Shortly after the 2023 season came to a close, Barkley was of course asked about his thoughts on the future. The two-time Pro Bowler didn't hold back, saying that he doesn't want to go through the rest of the winter not knowing what Schoen and Co. have planned for him.
If Schoen is going to place the franchise tag on him, Barkley wants that to happen as soon as possible instead of having to wonder about things until March. That's what happened last year, with New York signing Daniel Jones to a $160 million extension, and then tagging Barkley.
Saquon Barkley said he won’t be going up for an individual exit interview today. He said the Giants know how to reach him. Asked about the franchise tag, Barkley says:
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) January 8, 2024
“They did it last year. So I’m numb to it. I don’t have any feelings toward that at all. If you’re gonna do it,… pic.twitter.com/508Ya6AMAg
"They did it last year. So I’m numb to it. I don’t have any feelings toward that at all. If you’re gonna do it, just don’t wait until March 5. Just get it over with. If not, let me go. Simple."Saquon Barkley
After rushing for a career-high 1,312 yards in 2022, Barkley finished the 2023 season with 962 rushing yards and six touchdowns, while adding 280 more yards and four scores through the air. He posted those numbers in 14 games played, missing three due to his high-ankle sprain in the Week 2 loss over Arizona.
Barkley has said on numerous occasions that he wants to be with the Giants for the rest of his career, but he's not going to play on a discount either. As badly as we want Barkley to take the field with the rest of the G-Men come Week 1 next September, the latest buzz has us worried he'll be making plays for someone else instead.