The New York Giants offseason voluntary program went on without running back Saquon Barkley.
Since he didn’t sign the non-exclusive franchise tag that the team placed on him last month, he wasn’t eligible to participate. Unfortunately, it appears a continued saga with general manager Joe Schoen saying no progress has been made toward a long-term deal.
Barkley spoke on any updates, or lack thereof in an interview with The Morning Call.
“Where do I stand with the Giants right now? It’s like what someone said the other day … it’s still April,” Barkley told Keith Groller of The Morning Call. “I haven’t had conversations with Joe 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.”
Barkley and the Giants have until July 17 to work out a long-term deal.
“All I can control is how I will wake up every morning and stay with my goals and my passion.” Barkley added. “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.”
Despite not being invited formally to these workouts, Saquon Barkley had been working out with quarterback Daniel Jones and the team’s offensive group.
Jones signed a four-year, $160-million extension with the Giants this offseason. He had just beat the franchise tag deadline.
Giants owner John Mara said in March that he had spoken to the two-time Pro Bowler and reiterated to him that he wants him to be a Giant for the entirety of his career, and even with the way the running back market is, he was hopeful the two could come to an agreement.
