Barkley wants new deal with Giants, but 'it's out of my control' - ESPN

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Running back Saquon Barkley, faced with the realization that this Sunday could be his final game with the New York Giants, on Wednesday reiterated his desire to remain with the team for the remainder of his career.

«I've mentioned before that I want to be a Giant for Life,» Barkley said. «That was a goal of mine when I got drafted. I wanted to leave a legacy here, but it's out of my control.»

Barkley, 26, is playing this season on a revised franchise tag and is set to become a free agent after Sunday's finale. He said he hasn't heard about the organization's intentions.

New York (5-11) has the option to use a second franchise tag on Barkley at $12.1 million. The running back, who has 924 rushing yards this season, is open to negotiating a new deal before the start of free agency, even though the two sides couldn't come to an agreement last year.

«I'm still as open as I was before,» Barkley said. «I just want something that is fair.… But like I said, I get it. It's a business. If it's not here, hopefully it's some other place.»

Barkley just wants the Giants to shoot straight at his exit meeting next week. He's about to finish his sixth NFL season with the team, and the 2018 No. 2 pick knows he's running out of time to land a lucrative second contract.

«I do know that if I'm going to strike, I have to do it now,» Barkley said. «This is really probably my last opportunity to get a second deal. After that, the way they view running backs and treat running backs, it's not really ideal if you're looking at it that way.

»I would definitely love to get a second deal."

He said a second straight franchise tag is not ideal, however.

«Obviously I don't think any player wants to get franchise-tagged,» Barkley