Joe Schoen credits Saquon Barkley for keeping New York Giants afloat

With the New York Giants in the middle of a disappointing season, many expected general manager Joe Schoen to move — or at the very least — take calls from potential trade partners for running back Saquon Barkley.

Instead, the Giants made it clear that they would retain Barkley. That’s something Schoen reiterated during his press conference this past Monday, stating that moving on from Barkley “didn’t make any sense.”

In recent weeks, especially during the Giants’ two-game winning streak, Barkley has been a catalyst. Both on the sidelines and on the field, he’s made a positive impact.

At one point, Barkley even recommended running a play that ultimately led to a touchdown.

“Saquon, I mean, he’s a captain. He comes to work every day. I know there were some questions a couple of weeks ago about still coming to work and the longevity and the tread on the tires and all that stuff,” Schoen said. “He comes to work every day. He does everything we ask. He’s a great teammate. He’s a captain.

“Big reason, as you’re going through adversity, I think he’s a big part of keeping the locker room together. I respect Saquon a lot and the way he’s handled himself through this entire process, and I have a lot of respect for Saquon.”

The offense, of course, runs through Barkley and without Daniel Jones and Darren Waller on the field, the Giants have leaned on Barkley heavily.

Barkley and the Giants slogged through contract negotiations this past offseason with the running back threatening a holdout over the franchise tag. However, that ended quickly as Barkley’s love for the game and respect for his teammates won out.

Barkley ultimately signed a modified version of the franchise tag.

Despite questions about loyalty in the NFL, Barkley has remained a loyal soldier to the Giants, which has come at his own personal expense. Schoen and the organization seem to recognize that and still intend to sign the back long-term.

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