Saquon Barkley: I’m Just Starting To Get Into My Prime

New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley says there’s more to come from him after he stayed healthy all last season.

His clean bill of health propelled him to a career year with highs in rush attempts (295) and rushing yards (1,312). The form of Saquon Barkley in tandem with QB Daniel Jones and first-year head coach Brian Daboll transformed the Giants. 

New York made its first postseason appearance since 2016, ultimately losing out to the Eagles. Saquon Barkley says he’s only just approaching his ‘prime’ ahead of next year.

Want $250 to bet on NFL futures?

Sign up here!

“It’s hard because the end goal wasn’t accomplished,” Barkley said. 

“You strive to win a Super Bowl and obviously we came up short in the division and in the playoffs and who we lost to definitely didn’t help either with it being Philly. It wasn’t so much that I was proud of myself. It was just confirming everything that I knew. I knew the player was still there, but it’s easier to say it.

“You’ve got to go out there and show it, and God blessed me and kept me healthy, and we have some tremendous coaches and tremendous teammates and they put me in position to be successful. I was able to prove to not only myself, but to everyone that the player is still there. And now I feel I’m young still at 26 and I’m just starting to get into my prime.”

Barkley and the Giants have until July 17 to agree a new contract after he was franchise tagged in March.

Read: Kings Star De’Aaron Fox Wins First Ever NBA Clutch Player Of The Year Award

“Where do I stand with the Giants right now? It’s like what someone said the other day … it’s still April,” Barkley said. 

“I haven’t had conversations with (Giants general manager) Joe (Schoen) too much. So the best way I can handle it is to keep working. Whatever happens, happens.”