Giants RB Saquon Barkley ‘numb’ to tag, skips exit interview

Field Level Media|published: Mon 8th January, 12:03 2024

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) is shown after scoring a touchdown and giving the ball to Harrison Isaacs (background), 6. Harrison traveled with his father Christoper Isaacs (background) to attend his first NFL game, Sunday, January 7, 2024. credits: Kevin R. Wexler / USA TODAY NETWORK

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley said Monday that he's "numb" to the prospects of being hit with the franchise tag again and added that he's skipping the team's open-door policy exit interviews.

"I went through the whole process last year. We talked more than enough last year, to be honest. I'm gonna let my agents handle that," Barkley said Monday, adding that the team knows where to find him.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen held their own season-ending press conference and addressed multiple pressing topics, including Barkley's future with the team.

Barkley will become an unrestricted free agent in March and he's staring down another tag from the Giants.

"They did it last year. So I'm numb to it," Barkley said. "I don't have any feelings toward that at all. If you're gonna do it, just don't wait until March 5. Just get it over with. If not, let me go. Simple."

Schoen said Monday that he and Barkley will talk.

"That's a tool we have at our disposal," Schoen said of applying the franchise tag. "I'm not saying we will or we won't. A lot of those conversations will be had in the next month or so."

Barkley started all 14 games he played in, rushing for 962 yards and six touchdowns. He also caught 41 passes for 280 yards and 4 scores. Barkley scored two touchdowns in the Giants' 27-10 win over the rival Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday to finish the season at 6-11.

"If it is my last game playing here — if it is — it was a fun six years," Barkley said Sunday. "Made a lot of great memories, but it's not like the last time I'm ever playing football. I can't control that, so I'm not letting my emotions. If I knew that it was my last game, I probably would feel a little different but like I said, I have no idea."

Schoen also said the Giants are planning to have four of the top 70 picks in the 2024 draft and ample space to maneuver in free agency.

He didn't have a precise update on the health of quarterback Daniel Jones, but repeated earlier comments that Jones is not a lock to be ready for the start of the 2024 season. The Giants plan to address the quarterback position in the offseason behind Jones, Schoen said.

—Field Level Media