New York Giants willing to entertain calls for RB Saquon Barkley, says GM Joe Schoen

INDIANAPOLIS — Saquon Barkley is not untouchable. The New York Giants are at least willing to entertain phone calls on the talented running back, new general manager Joe Schoen said Tuesday at the NFL combine.

This is the result of a new regime, difficult salary cap situation and an injury-filled three seasons for Barkley. The Giants are currently estimated at more than $11 million over the cap, according to the roster management system. They will have to shed excess weight by cutting or trading some quality players.

Among the possibilities appears to be moving Barkley, who is guaranteed $7.217 million on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract for 2022. «We're still working through that, but I'm open to everything,» Schoen said. «Like whether it's trading player for player; I'll listen to anybody. If it's trading a couple players — I'm not going to say the entire roster [that] we're open for business on the entire roster. But if anyone is going to call and they're interested in any of our players. I'm certainly going to listen. „Again, we're in a situation where unfortunately we have to get under the salary cap. We're not in very good salary cap health. Again, I'm not going to say yes to every deal but I'm definitely going to listen and be open to the situations what are best for the New York Giants.“

Schoen had a much different tone when asked specifically about quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Kadarius Toney, last year's first-round pick out of the University of Florida who struggled to stay on the field because of injuries.

Their imminent futures appear more certain with the Giants, even if the team's brass indicated there hasn't been a decision on Jones' fifth-year option. That is due this spring.

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