Star running back Saquon Barkley has heard all about trade rumors surrounding him ahead of the NFL trade deadline. But the two-time Pro Bowler wants everyone to know that his goal is to keep playing for the New York Giants.
Speaking with reporters earlier this week, Barkley made it clear he doesn’t want to be traded.
“Sitting here, everyone knows how I feel. Everyone knows I don’t want to get traded,” Barkley said. “I don’t think anyone in their right mind would want to get traded anywhere. It’s not an easy thing to do. You have to move. I have a family. I would love to be here.”
However, Barkley also noted that the final decision about whether he remains with the franchise or not isn’t in his hands.
“But like I said, it’s not in my control,” he added. “My focus is to be the leader I can be for this team and get this thing on the right track.”
The Giants are struggling so far in the 2023 NFL season, going 1-5 through the first six weeks. Many believe that this could prompt the team’s front office to be sellers at the trade deadline, with Barkley being their most prized asset. The 26-year-old is also set to become a free agent in the offseason, which might further incentivize the New York team to move on from him.
After rushing for a career-high 1,312 yards last season, Barkley is off to a slow start in the 2023 campaign. He missed three games due to injuries while having 207 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown.
