Joe Schoen, the new general manager of the New York Giants, said he’s willing to listen to trade offers that could help him improve the team’s roster and salary cap situation — including offers for running back Saquon Barkley.
At the scouting combine in Indianapolis on Tuesday, Schoen was asked about Barkley in particular and whether he’d pick up the phone for a potential trade.
“We’re still working through that, but I’m open to anything. Like whether it’s trading player for player. I’ll listen to anybody,” Schoen told reporters. “I’m not going to say we’re open for business on our entire roster. But if anybody is going to call and they’re interested in any of our players, I’ll certainly listen.
“I’m not going to say yes to every deal,” he added, “but I’m definitely going to listen and be open to situations that are best for the New York Giants.”
Barkley, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 draft, had a terrific debut season that earned him Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. But he has struggled to stay healthy in the years since. He’s started 44 games in four NFL seasons, including just two in 2020 before an ACL tear ended his season.
In 2021, Barkley ran for just 593 yards (3.7 per carry) and two touchdowns across 13 games. He also caught 41 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns.
The Giants need to drop roughly $12 million in salary to get under the cap for the new league year. Barkley will make a guaranteed $7.2 million on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract in 2022.
Schoen also trotted out a well-worn caveat when asked about his starting quarterback situation, saying, “Daniel Jones is our starting quarterback right now.”
–Field Level Media