Giants' Saquon Barkley addresses rumors ahead of trade deadline

The 1-5 New York Giants could be a loss to the 3-3 Washington Commanders away from becoming sellers ahead of the Oct. 31 trade deadline, but star running back Saquon Barkley made it known he wants to stay put through at least Week 18. 

"I would love to be here, but it’s not in my control," Barkley told reporters on Thursday, according to Ryan Chichester of Audacy. "My focus is on being a leader for this team and getting this thing on the right track." 

Barkley's rights for 2023 were retained via the franchise tag, and he ultimately signed a one-year contract worth $10.1M that includes incentives he won't reach due to the fact he missed three games this season with an ankle injury he suffered in Week 2. Across three contests, the 26-year-old has rushed for 207 yards and a touchdown on 53 carries. He also recorded 13 catches for 46 yards and a score. 

It was reported earlier in October that the Giants likely wouldn't receive much in return for Barkley because of his concerning injury history and the fact that teams around the NFL routinely devalue veteran running backs. He noted Thursday he's trying to focus on helping a struggling Giants team right the ship. 

"It’s not like I’m able to make any decisions or have any say in that," Barkley said about his playing future beyond Week 7. "The only thing I have a say in is the way I show up to work and the way I compete. Those are the things I can control." 

For a piece published Wednesday, SNY's Connor Hughes wrote that those running the Giants "were wrong" to think the team could compete with the league's top squads after New York won a road playoff game this past January. Obtaining even one draft pick for Barkley could help the club rebuild for the second half of the decade, but the team captain would like the opportunity to be part of that process. 

"I've been public and vocal about how I feel about this organization and where I want to be," Barkley added during his comments. "But like I said, knowing the business and seeing that side of it, there are a lot of things I can’t control. Everyone knows how I feel. Everyone knows I don't want to get traded. I don’t think anybody in their right mind would want to get traded anywhere. It’s not an easy thing to do. You gotta move. I have a family." 

It's thought the Giants will either let Barkley test free agency in March 2024 or once again hold onto him via the franchise tag if they keep him through the trade deadline. For now, he'll look to prove his worth to his current employer in what could, for multiple reasons, be a must-win game against Washington.