PALM BEACH, Fla. — The New York Giants have not made any calls to other teams about trading running back Saquon Barkley, although they have received some.
General Manager Joe Schoen emphasized the award Monday at the NFL’s annual meetings, the first time he has spoken publicly since the Scouting Combine, as he declared the team open to a potential trade. The Giants were then trying to lose about $40 million in salary cap space to get their finances in order for this season.
“That was taken a bit out of context on the combine. I didn’t call Saquon Barkley’s team,” Schoen said Monday of the idea of the Giants buying the running back. “Everyone ran off the combine harvester with it. I said I would listen if people called any players. It would be irresponsible if I didn’t do it. That doesn’t mean I’ll make every deal. So I didn’t call it a team on Saquon Barkley.
“I’ve had calls about some of our players. He’s one that a few teams have reached out to. But I’m not buying Saquon Barkley.”
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Barkley was the No. 2 pick in Penn State’s 2018 NFL Draft. He was named Offensive Rookie of the Year after averaging over 2,000 yards in his debut season.
It’s been a struggle ever since. Barkley struggled with a high ankle sprain in 2019, tore the ACL in his right knee the following year and was handicapped by an ankle injury last season. He has rushed for a total of 2,391 yards in the three years since his breakout rookie season.
But the Giants seem to be holding on to Barkley even though they’re still fighting the salary cap. Cornerback James Bradberry seems more inclined to create the space needed, although Schoen noted that he recently made the Pro Bowl, is 28 years old and “can still play at a high level.”
That doesn’t mean Bradberry or Barkley aren’t trading.
“I won’t say that [about Bradberry]. I won’t say that about anyone,” Schoen said. “People called about certain players. people have value. … [Bradberry is] nevertheless a top-class starting corner.”
Barkley is eligible for a guaranteed $7.217 million option this season for the fifth year of his rookie contract.
“Again, the guy was #2 in the draft for a reason,” Schoen said. “He has a lot of talent and I look forward to working with him.”
The Giants were aware of the narrative that was spreading at the combine after Schoen’s comments. It went so far that he felt the need to reach Barkley almost immediately.
Schoen called Barkley in Indianapolis right after completing his media responsibilities to clarify the team’s intentions.
“I reached out to him immediately after everything that happened,” Schoen said. “Again, it would be irresponsible to the team for a team to call – I think 31 other GMs would say the same thing – if someone calls and offers you something ridiculous, you will listen. That doesn’t mean you’re going to make a deal or say yes to it.”
Barkley, 25, is the Giants’ biggest and most recognizable name on the roster. He’s also one of their more accomplished and talented players.
This is not lost on the organization, but will not factor into the organization’s decision to trade it.
“I’m well aware of that,” said co-owner John Mara. “I don’t think it’s not an important factor. At the end of the day, put the best possible team on the field and build for the future.
“Well, listen, I like him. He was a great representative for us. I still think he’s a really good player. I think he could potentially have a very big year this year. But at the end of the day, the head coach and the CEO make those decisions.”