Saquon after failing to land lucrative deal: My 'back's against the wall'

Star running back Saquon Barkley is eager to put his contract dispute in the past ahead of the team's season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.

"Obviously, my contract stuff and everything was public and talked about," Barkley said Wednesday, according to team reporter Michael Eisen. "I would turn on the TV, and I'm seeing myself being talked about. But for me, all that's in the past. Like I said, once I made that mindset to come here, you've got to be mature about it. No hard feelings about it.

"So, now my back's against the wall again. I've got to go out there and prove it. I'm going to go out there and play my heart out, compete at a high level, and do what I do best, not only for myself but for my teammates."

Barkley had expressed frustration with the Giants regarding negotiations over a long-term deal after he was franchise-tagged. The two-time Pro Bowler was one of three rushers to be tagged this offseason, along with Tony Pollard and Josh Jacobs.

Barkley ultimately signed a one-year, $11-million contract in July.

Although Barkley said this summer that he wants to remain a Giant for life, the tailback now just wants to focus on the upcoming season.

"I was public about it before, but I think I would be doing a disservice to myself to get too caught up in my future and worrying about what's going to happen and being a Giant for life," he said.

Barkley posted a career-high 1,312 rushing yards on 295 carries, along with 10 rushing touchdowns, in 2022. He also added 57 receptions for 338 yards.

The 26-year-old will attempt to make his mark in the Giants' opener when they host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

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