Giants GM Joe Schoen on Saquon Barkley talks - No hard feelings - ESPN

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The hard negotiations with Saquon Barkley have not left hard feelings — at least on the New York Giants' end.

Barkley and the Giants were unable to reach a long-term deal before last week's deadline for franchise players, but the sides agreed to an adjusted franchise tender Tuesday that allowed the Pro Bowl running back to report on time to camp.

«We talked for over 9½ months, and we came to a landing spot and they came to a landing spot,» Giants general manager Joe Schoen said Wednesday. «We couldn't bridge the gap [on a long-term deal]. Like I said, that's OK. Saquon has to do what is best for him and his family. I respect the hell out of Saquon. I'm never going to tell somebody to do something that they don't think is right.

»Again, I respect Saquon. I admire him. I'm glad he's here [at training camp]. Again, we weren't able to get something done long term, but he's here and I'm fired up he's going to be on the field."

Barkley was on the field Wednesday for the first practice of training camp — and he didn't miss a beat. He was instantly thrust into the first-team offense and looked explosive and nimble. On the second play of live drills during a 7-on-7 period, Barkley toe-tapped in the corner of the end zone while making a touchdown grab that was greeted enthusiastically by fans.

Barkley did not speak to the media Wednesday, but some of his teammates did — and they did not sense any lingering effects from the hard negotiations.

«I think he's been himself,» quarterback Daniel Jones said. «He's excited to be here. He's come to work. He's the same leader, the same presence in the locker room. I think that speaks to him as a guy — his character, his professionalism, who he is, how important the