Saquon Barkley Talks Contract, Future With the Giants

The Giants running back says, 'there's still a version of 26 that a lot of people haven't seen.'

The New York Giants began offseason workouts without running back Saquon Barkley, whom the team placed on the franchise tag earlier this year. But the former Penn State star, who is looking for a new contract with the Giants, sounded ready for whatever results from the negotiation process.

Barkley returned to his hometown area recently during a visit to the Temple/St. Luke's Medical School in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The running back, who played at nearby Whitehall High School, discussed his visit with medical students and staff to local media before getting to the understandable questions about his contract situation.

"Whatever happens, happens," Barkley said, according to Keith Groller of the Allentown Morning Call.

Barkley and the Giants have yet to agree on a long-term deal, which General Manager Joe Schoen said remains at the same negotiating point as it was at the owner's meetings. The Giants used their $10.091 million franchise tag on Barkley, and the parties have until July 17 to sign a new deal. As NFL.com noted, Barkley cannot participate in offseason workouts without signing his one-year tender agreement.

Barkley gave no indication if, or whether, he would sign the tender. In the meantime, he's preparing away from the team.

“Where do I stand with the Giants right now? It’s like what someone said the other day …  it’s still April," Barkley said, according to 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.”

THE QUESTION HE WAS WAITING FOR

Even though @saquon didn’t want to talk about his contract situation with the @Giants he didn’t give a “no comment” when the situation was brought up last night at @mystlukes pic.twitter.com/hwfMuXRIE2

— Keith Groller (@KeithGroller) April 21, 2023

Barkley rebounded last season from injuries to post the most prolific season of his five NFL seasons. He totaled career-highs in carries (295) and rushing yards (1,312) and made the playoffs for the first time. He also predicted much more to come.

"I was able to prove to not only myself, but to everyone that the player is still there and now I feel I’m young still at 26 and I’m just starting to get into my prime," Barkley said, according to The Morning Call. "There’s still a version of 26 that a lot of people haven’t seen."

More on Penn State

Penn State Football on SI.com

Penn State Basketball on SI.com

A Penn State trustee says some board members are 'undermining athletics'

Penn State sets dates for 2024 U.S. Olympic Wrestling Trials at the Bryce Jordan Center

Penn State still has work to do on NIL, James Franklin says

Lions draw closer to landing a standout 2024 quarterback

The Lions are on a recruiting roll

Pennsylvania's top football prospect commits to Penn State

Penn State picks up a transfer running back from Minnesota

Penn State's spring quarterback competition rolls on

Penn State's Nick Singleton is ready to become a veteran

Penn State's offensive line made spring strides

Lions receive 2025 commitment from New Jersey defensive back

For Penn State's Parker Washington, NFL Draft is a 'gamble' worth taking

AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.