New Giants GM Joe Schoen 'excited' to work with RB Saquon Barkley

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is on track to enter the new NFL year in March on the fifth-year option attached to his rookie contract that carries a cap hit of slightly over $7.2 million. That option was picked up by former general manager Dave Gettleman, who retired earlier this month. 

The Giants introduced new general manager Joe Schoen to media members on Wednesday, and he suggested he won't be shopping Barkley this winter. 

"He was in the locker room yesterday, so I got to have a good conversation with him," Schoen said of Barkley, per Danny Abriano of SNY. "I'm excited about Saquon. 

"When he came out, he was a rare talent. I know he's had some injuries, and that comes with that position. We talked a little bit about where we may need to upgrade. I think if you upgrade the offensive line, that's gonna help Daniel (Jones) and it's gonna help Saquon." 

Schoen also seemed to commit to giving quarterback Daniel Jones at least an opportunity to keep his job through the 2022 season, while Giants co-owner John Mara said he's not trading for Houston Texans star signal-caller Deshaun Watson. 

As for Barkley, his trade value has likely never been lower coming off the torn ACL that cost him almost the entire 2020 campaign and his injury-plagued and underwhelming 2021 season. In total, the 24-year-old tallied 593 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 162 carries, and he added 41 catches for 263 yards and two scores across 13 games. 

The truth is Schoen and Barkley likely need each other, at least until the ball-carrier can maybe fetch the Giants something of note from a contender next fall before the trade deadline.