John Mara Expects Saquon Barkley to Remain with Giants for 'A Very Long Time'

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley has been limited with injuries over the past two seasons, but team co-owner John Mara is committed to his future with the franchise.

"I certainly expect him to be a Giant for a very long time," Mara told reporters Wednesday.

Barkley tore his ACL in Week 2, and the Giants never quite found their stride without him, starting the season at 1-7 before finishing with a 6-10 record.

This year's Giants offense was second-worst in the league in points scored and yards from scrimmage. 

Mara described Barkley's injury as a "gut punch," adding:

"He’s such an important part of this team, not only for what he does on the field but the leadership and all of the intangibles he brings to us off the field. That was really a gut-punch. Listen, I’m still happy that we have him. I think knowing him, he’s going to come back stronger than ever and be a big part of this team next year." 

Mara said there was no timetable for Barkley's return, but he noted that the team's "medical people are very pleased with the progress he's made." 

The 23-year-old, whom the Giants selected out of Penn State with the No. 2 pick in the 2018 NFL draft, can sign an extension this offseason, with a fifth-year option and franchise tag available, too.

The 2018 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year racked up 1,307 rushing yards and 11 scores to go with 91 catches for 721 yards and four touchdowns in his first year in the league. He followed that up by posting 1,003 rushing yards and six touchdowns along with 52 receptions for 438 yards in 13 games last year. He missed three games with a high-ankle sprain midseason. 

Wayne Gallman led the Giants in rushing this season with 682 yards and six touchdowns.