Saquon Barkley Contemplating Sitting Out NFL Season Amid Contract Dispute

• NFL

In an unusually candid revelation, New York Giants star Saquon Barkley has admitted he's contemplating not playing this season due to an ongoing contract dispute with his team. His frank admission during a recent interview, released on July 11, has added another layer of drama to the tug-of-war over a long-term contract, putting the pressure on the Giants to finalize an agreement.

A Strategic Stalemate

"My leverage is, I could say, 'F you' to the Giants, I could say, 'F you' to my teammates," Barkley stated during the podcast interview. "And be like, 'You want me to show you my worth? You want me to show you how valuable I am to the team? I won't show up.

I won't play a down.' And that's a play I could use." This bold declaration highlights Barkley's frustration at his predicament and reveals a strategy not typically employed by many NFL players. Despite his evident frustration, Barkley insists that such a course of action is not something he's eager to implement.

"Is it something that's crossed my mind? I never thought I would ever do that, but now I'm at a point where I'm like, 'Jesus, I might have to take it to this level.' Am I prepared to take it to this level? I don't know."

A Desire to Win

But Barkley’s comments reveal more than just frustration over his contract.

They also shed light on his unwavering dedication to the sport and his team. Barkley firmly believes in his capabilities, restating his self-proclaimed status as the best running back in the NFL. Yet, he also expressed a deep-seated desire to help the Giants clinch a Super Bowl victory.

"I can try to get as much money as I can, but what really matters is winning," he said. "I know if I'm able to help bring a championship to New York, that's going to go miles more ahead than this contract."