5 Giants Playing Their Last Game With the Team on Sunday

Barring any uneforeseen circumstances, these five New York Giants players are likely playing their last game with the team in Week 18.
Parris Campbell is one of five Giants who are likely playing his last game with New York on Sunday.
Parris Campbell is one of five Giants who are likely playing his last game with New York on Sunday. / Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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5. Saquon Barkley, RB

The Saquon Barkley era in New York has been mixed with highs and lows. The ex-Penn State product burst onto the scene with 2,028 scrimmage yards and 15 touchdowns en route to being named the 2018 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, leaving Giants fans with the feeling that they had a special player on their hands.

Like Shepard, though, Barkley's potential was capped by an unfortunate injury history. His career trajectory took a massive hit when he tore his ACL just two games into the 2020 campaign and it was clear that he wasn't the same after that, rushing for just 593 yards and two TDs on 162 carries in 2021.

The good news is that Barkley rediscovered his groove last season with a 295-1,312-10 stat line on the ground before rushing for 916 yards and four TDs on 13 carries this season. While he hasn't necessarily returned to the heights of his rookie campaign, it's been nice to see him produce despite New York's frontline issues.

But despite how fun the highs have been, Sunday could still be Barkley's last game with the Giants. The veteran rusher, who's also a pending free agent, told reporters on Wednesday that he wants to remain with New York "for life" but the situation is "out of my control."

The Giants could franchise tag him again, but Barkley has made it clear that he wants to avoid that situation. Like all running backs, he wants to get one more big payday to set him up for life now that he's just a few years away from turning 30 — the age when many RBs are deemed "washed." If New York wants to do right by them, they may allow him to test the open market.

Barkley will be a fan favorite among the Giants faithful no matter where he goes. It's just a shame that he couldn't be healthier during his tenure to see how high his ceiling truly was.