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New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is worried about returning to the field in 2021 and that’s about the extent of his focus at the moment.
Barkley has two years remaining on his rookie contract, including a fifth-year-option in 2022 that the team previously picked up, but he hasn’t given any thought to what happens after that.
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“When it comes to the contract situation, that’s something that’s not even crossing my mind,” Barkley told reporters on Wednesday. “I have an amazing agent; those are things that I have conversations with her about, but for me right now, only thing I’m focusing on is coming here and working my butt off to get ready as soon as I can, so when I’m out there, I’m not just 100 percent, I am 110 percent and I can perform to the best of my ability for my team.”
It’s good news that Barkley doesn’t give it much thought because co-owner John Mara said in March that the team is in “no hurry” to extend the running back’s contract.
However, Mara did say they hope Barkley remains a Giant for life.
“Hearing the owner come out and say, basically speaking on longevity and seeing me here in the future, that means a lot. This is the place that drafted me. It’s special place to me. And it’s an honor and privilege to be able to put on the blue and white and come out as a Giant,” Barkley said.
Barkley also dismissed any notion of a potential holdout.
“No,” Barkley said point-blank when asked if he would potentially hold out when healthy.
That falls in line with what Barkley has said previously — he’s not a holdout guy. Of course, things change over time and if he can return to 2018 form, it’s entirely possible he will seek a new contract next season.
But at least for now, Barkley and the Giants appear to be on the same page and there is no current disconnect over a contract.
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