New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is set to become a free agent yet again this offseason, and he understands that his future with the Giants is somewhat beyond his control.
Barkley would prefer to stay in New York, but he is aware of the possibility that the Giants may have other plans.
Last year, New York ended up slapping a franchise tag on Barkley, resulting in a drawn out contract dispute that ultimately ended in the halfback signing a one-year deal with the club.
While Barkley does not seem thrilled about the idea of getting tagged again, he just hopes that the Giants will do it quickly if they do decide to go that route.
“They did it last year. So, I’m numb to it,” Barkley said, via Jordan Raanan of ESPN. “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.”
Barkley played in 14 games this season and had a rather underwhelming year, rushing for 962 yards and six touchdowns while averaging a pedestrian 3.9 yards per carry. He also caught 41 passes for 280 yards and four scores. He missed three contests earlier in the year due to an ankle injury.
The Penn State product, who turns 27 years old next month, was selected by New York with the second overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.
He enjoyed an extraordinary rookie campaign, racking up 1,307 yards and 11 touchdowns while logging a robust five yards per attempt. In addition, he hauled in 91 receptions for 721 yards and four scores.
However, since then, much of Barkley’s run in the Big Apple has been defined by injuries, which may make life difficult for him on the free-agent market this spring.
Saquon Barkley has made a pair of Pro Bowl appearances throughout his career.
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