Dec 4, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) following the game against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Washington Commanders at New York Giants
(New York, NY) — As the NFL season slowly approaches, the Giants have a number of unanswered questions.
The most substantial? Saquon Barkley.
The star running back notoriously was absent for the start of voluntary offseason workouts last week. He’s now breaking his silence on the contract drama for the first time.
“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,” Barkley told the morning call. “”Where do I stand with the Giants right now? 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.
When asked Thursday if he was optimistic about Barkley starting next season with the team, GM Joe Schoen said, “You have to ask him. I’m not sure. I don’t know what his plan is.”
Schoen said that he and Barkley have not spoken in over three weeks and directed all further questions about his running back’s plans to Barkley himself.
Barkley has not signed his franchise tender and thus not present last week for the start of the Giants’ offseason program. The two sides have until July 17 to reach a long-term contract agreement. After that, teams cannot negotiate with players (Barkley) who were given the franchise tag until the season ends.
In November, the 26-year-old turned down a contract offer worth $12.5 million per season, and later (after season) turned down an offer worth $13 million per year.
“There’s still a version of 26 that a lot of people haven’t seen,'” Barkley said.
