With the NFL trade deadline quickly approaching, Giants star Saquon Barkley offered some insight regarding his approach to his future in New York amid the club’s rough start to the season.
The Giants (1-5) currently sit as a potential seller, with teams eyeing deals ahead of the 4 p.m. ET cutoff on Oct. 31 to trade players. But while there may be interest around the running back, Barkley expressed on Thursday a desire to remain in New York.
“Sitting here, everyone knows how I feel. Everyone knows I don’t want to get traded,” Barkley told reporters. “I don’t think anybody in their right mind would want to get traded anywhere. It’s not an easy thing to do, you’ve got to move, I have a family. 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.”
New York’s tumultuous first six weeks have left the organization facing more questions than answers entering Week 7, with Barkley, a potential free agent in 2024, still at the forefront following an offseason where he failed to sign an extension.
Fresh off an impressive performance in Week 6 after returning from injury, Barkley will continue to serve as the centerpiece of the Giants' struggling offense, a role the 26-year-old intends to focus on until his circumstances change.
“It’s not really blocking it out. I can’t control that. It’s not like I’m able to make any decisions or have any say in that,” Barkley said. “Only say I have is the way I show up to work and the way I go out there and compete. That’s the things I can control.”
Saquon Barkley was asked about the looming trade deadline:
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) October 19, 2023
"I've been public and vocal about how I feel about this organization and where I want to be... everyone knows I don't want to get traded." pic.twitter.com/aR1y7XI8ka
New York's next chance to build some momentum will come on Sunday at home against the rival Commanders (3-3).
