Beat writer hints Saquon Barkley's role could change in Giants offense

The New York Giants didn't lock star running back Saquon Barkley down via a long-term contract this summer and now may ask him to contribute in a different way beginning in September. 

For a piece published Wednesday, Giants beat writer Paul Schwartz of the New York Post noted that Barkley thus far has looked "more dangerous than ever as a receiving threat" during training-camp practices. 

"At times he has almost toyed with linebacker Bobby Okereke when the Giants' free-agent addition was matched against him in coverage," Schwartz added about Barkley. "Barkley, at times, also had his way with (linebacker) Darrian Beavers. Through the first two weeks of camp, Barkley has beaten the coverage deep, which is not something he did much of last season when he averaged only 5.9 yards per reception." 

Per ESPN stats, Barkley finished his first regular season playing under head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka tied for the team lead with 57 receptions. While the 26-year-old recorded 338 receiving yards, he also failed to notch a single receiving touchdown for only the second time during his pro career that began in 2018. 

Barkley didn't find the end zone once before his 2020 campaign prematurely ended when he suffered a torn ACL in Week 2 that September. 

Giants general manager Joe Schoen gave quarterback Daniel Jones multiple new weapons this offseason such as tight end Darren Waller, free-agency pickup Parris Campbell and rookie wide receiver Jalin Hyatt. Waller seems on track to serve as Jones' new primary target, and Hyatt's speed could help him emerge as the type of home-run hitter New York's offense often lacked last season. 

With that said, Jones has a history of looking for Barkley down the field when the ball-carrier takes advantage of certain matchups. In short, a version of Barkley clearly upset about how he and other veteran running backs were valued by teams this offseason may want to establish himself as one of Jones' favorite options ahead of what could become yet another headline-generating contract standoff next spring.