Giants Country

Saquon Barkley Doesn't Want to Be Traded

Barkley reiterates a desire to be a Giant for life but knows the decision is out of his hands.

Patricia Traina

Saquon Barkley Doesn't Want to Be Traded
Saquon Barkley Doesn't Want to Be Traded /
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If the New York Giants continue their slide, there's a very good possibility that general manager Joe Schoen might look to divest some of the team's assets before the October 31 trade deadline.

One asset that would bring the Giants a decent haul would be running back Saquon Barkley. Because Barkley is playing on a one-year modified franchise tag, it's been long believed that the Giants will look to move him before the trade deadline if the team continues its struggles rather than embark on the same song and dance they went through with Barkley it's past year when the two sides failed to reach a new contract agreement.

And so, while the rumor mill continues to churn, Barkley is doing his best to remain detached from all that so he can stay focused and in the movement. 

"It’s not like I’m able to make any decisions or have any say in that," he said Thursday when asked about how he's blocking out the noise. "The only thing that I have is how I show up to work and how I go out there and compete. That’s the things that I can control."

Barkley said there have been no discussions between the Giants and his management team regarding his future. The Giants are a more versatile team with Barkley in the lineup, but keeping him healthy has been something of a challenge.

That, and, of course, agreeing on Barkley's long-term value. Yet despite the inability of both sides to get something done, Barkley continued to pledge his desire to be a Giant for life.

"I’ve been public and vocal about how I feel about this organization and where I want to be," he said.

"Everyone knows I don’t want to get traded. I don’t think anybody in their right mind would want to get traded anywhere. It’s not an easy thing to do."

But he is also smart enough to realize that whether he gets his wish to remain a Giant for life isn't necessarily in his hands.

"I would love to be here, but like I said, it’s not in my control. My focus is to be the leader I can be for this team to try to get this thing on the right track."

That starts this weekend against the Washington Commanders.

"My focus is Washington, trying to come back and get a win," Barkley said. "I’m happy that I’m healthy again and able to get back on the field. Got close to a win last week now just got to continue to improve and get a win."

 

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Patricia Traina
PATRICIA TRAINA

Patricia Traina has covered the New York Giants for 30+ seasons, and her work has appeared in multiple media outlets, including The Athletic, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and the Sports Illustrated media group. As a credentialed New York Giants press corps member, Patricia has also covered five Super Bowls (three featuring the Giants), the annual NFL draft, and the NFL Scouting Combine. She is the author of The Big 50: The Men and Moments that Made the New York Giants. In addition to her work with New York Giants On SI, Patricia hosts the Locked On Giants podcast. Patricia is also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Football Writers Association of America.

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