Giants' Saquon Barkley continues to chase greatness — not his next contract

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Saquon Barkley's contract situation with the New York Giants was settled before anything could get ugly. Of course, it wasn't what he wanted, with the Giants sweetening his franchise tag with incentives after they couldn't find common ground on a long-term extension. 

So Barkley is heading into another contract year, as his one-year pact to remain with the Giants will start the negotiating process yet again next offseason. 

But everyone else except No. 26 is focused on that heading into the 2023 regular season. He says he's chasing more than just another contract. 

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New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley speaks to Curtis High School student-athletes at Chelsea Piers in New York City on Aug. 28, 2023. (SIX STAR )

"For me, my goals stay the same," Barkley told Fox News Digital at a promotional event in New York City on Sunday. "I feel like I was blessed with unbelievable talent. I have the capability to be one of the best players to ever do it, especially at the position I play. 

"I always looked up to the greatest of all-time — the Barrys [Sanders], the Walters [Payton], the Marshall Faulks. I watched film and watched their highlights. Those are the guys I’m going to chase no matter what — if I had this contract [in 2023], or a long-term deal, or a one-year deal. I put all that aside. I’m focused on trying to be great. Be a leader, be a captain for this team and help this team win."

Barkley told the New York Post that the Giants "know how I feel" in terms of wanting to remain with Big Blue for life. That's remained a constant even though negotiations with GM Joe Schoen didn't pan