New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley knows he on a different team when the 2024 season kicks off.
Barkley told Complex's Zion Olojede that his protracted negotiations with the Giants last offseason made him realize he may not spend his entire career in New York.
While he still hopes to remain with the Giants, he'll have a different mindset when it comes time to discuss a new deal.
"They know that but once you get to this point, you go to your contract negotiation and you go through the tag process, you realize how much of a business it is," the two-time Pro Bowler said. "And I remember vets always telling me this and you know I believed them, but you don't really know something until you go through it. So could I see myself in another uniform? Yeah, it's possible."
Barkley and New York were locked in a stalemate after the team franchise-tagged him. He settled for a one-year deal that effectively matched his franchise tender but opened the door for him to earn a little more in incentives.
The odds of a divorce look stronger now.
The 26-year-old failed to match his Pro Bowl production from 2022. He ran for 962 yards and six touchdowns while catching 41 passes for 280 yards and four scores in 14 starts.
Pointing to the fact Barkley's performance may have suffered as a result of Daniel Jones' torn ACL can also be used to argue he isn't the kind of figure who anchors an offense. He's a luxury piece rather than a necessity when you're building out a roster.
That's something the Giants are likely to consider when they contemplate his future.
