Barkley can't envision playoff loss as 'last time in Giants uniform'
Star running back Saquon Barkley said he's optimistic that Saturday's division-round loss to the Philadelphia Eagles won't be his final opportunity suiting up for the New York Giants.
"I can't envision that being my last time in a Giants uniform," Barkley said following the 38-7 loss, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
New York will have to figure out what it wants to do with its backfield, as Barkley's and quarterback Daniel Jones' contracts expire at the end of the season.
Barkley has made it clear that he'd like to remain with the franchise that selected him second overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.
"I've been vocal about how I feel, where I want to be, where I want to stay," he said. "It's out of my hands, and that's part of the business. Everyone knows how I feel."
Barkley garnered the second Pro Bowl nod of his career in 2022, posting a career-high 1,312 rushing yards for 10 touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards per carry. He also added 57 receptions for 338 yards.
Despite turning in his best campaign since breaking out as a rookie, Barkley couldn't find his stride Saturday. The Eagles limited the tailback to 61 yards on nine carries as New York mustered 227 total yards.
"We really got beat in all facets, so it wasn't one thing in particular," Giants head coach Brian Daboll said, per ESPN's Jordan Raanan. "It was a team game, and we just didn't get it done."
Jones was reluctant to discuss his pending free agency and future with the franchise following Saturday's contest. Prior to the campaign, New York declined Jones' fifth-year option on his rookie contract.
"Like I said, we will cross that bridge when we get there," Jones said. "I really enjoyed playing here."
The Giants finished with a 9-7-1 record in Daboll's first season at the helm. New York defeated the Minnesota Vikings in the wild-card round before Saturday's defeat.
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