To the right, Sterling Shepard was sitting on a stool and talking about the end of his Giants career, relishing the chance this Sunday to run through the MetLife Stadium tunnel one last time.
To the left, Justin Pugh delayed a trip to the shower to consider if there is a third act for him with the Giants, the team that 11 years ago made him a first-round draft pick.
Shepard likely will never play another snap in the NFL after this weekend. Pugh might not, as well.
In the middle of these two veterans, Saquon Barkley stood in front of his locker, a black hooded sweatshirt covering the sides of his face. He did not contemplate the end of his playing days. He will be in the NFL in 2024. At this point, with this troubling season for Barkley and the Giants mercifully coming to an end not soon enough, it is difficult to envision Barkley suiting up in that popular No. 26 jersey ever again for the franchise that once viewed him as the most super of superstars.
It is not that Barkley wants out or that the Giants have decided to move on. More precisely, it is that Barkley for the first time can mention wanting a “fresh start’’ and it sounds more like a plan than negotiating rhetoric. More precisely, it feels as if the Giants will lack much or any sentiment this time when they figure out what Barkley is worth, in as much as he currently is 14th among NFL running backs in rushing with 916 yards and the centerpiece of an offense that is 30th in the league in scoring.