Giants could only get fourth-round pick for RB Saquon Barkley?

The New York Giants hired ex-Buffalo Bills assistant general manager Joe Schoen in January to serve as their new general manager and right some of the many wrongs made by the previous administration. 

One of those alleged wrongs could be using the second overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft on running back Saquon Barkley, who has flashed promise throughout his Big Blue tenure but hasn't yet proven to be a so-called "generational" talent at the position and is on track to play on the fifth-year option attached to his rookie contract that's worth slightly over $7.2 million. 

Schoen said during his introductory press conference that he was "excited" about having Barkley on the roster but later admitted he had "to clear out $40 million from a bloated and mismanaged salary cap this spring." Thus, it wasn't shocking when Schoen suggested at the NFL Scouting Combine this week he is willing to listen to trade calls on any talent, including the 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year. 

However, Matt Lombardo of Fansided reports a current unnamed general manager recently responded that "a fourth-round pick is probably pretty reasonable" when asked about Barkley's trade value. 

It's understandable, as a torn ACL cost Barkley the bulk of the 2020 season and he then missed four games this past fall because of an ankle injury. However, Lombardo added that a contender could be convinced to offer more for Barkley if it has a glaring hole in its backfield. 

"The running back class is pretty weak this draft, he’s still young, and I think the Giants could get at least a second-round pick," a long-time personnel executive and former GM said of the ball-carrier. 

It's no secret the Giants have had a horrendous offensive line throughout Barkley's career. Perhaps a playoff team with more stability and better talent up front will believe it can help Barkley find his best form, or maybe Schoen will decide it's simply time to move on from someone he never drafted. 

For the Giants, getting Barkley's $7.2 million for 2022 off the books may be enough of the right price to pull the trigger on a trade and soon.