The New York Giants are the only team running back Saquon Barkley has ever played for. And while Barkley hasn’t backed off his desire to remain Giant for life, he also understands that the feeling might not be mutual if the team doesn’t wish to sign him to a multiyear deal equivalent to his market value.

Because of that possibility, Barkley might have played his last snaps in a Giants uniform. While New York is likely to apply the franchise tag on the running back if the two sides can’t lay down the parameters of a new multiyear deal, one which general manager Joe Schoen said they’d begin discussing with Bakrley’s representation during the upcoming combine, there remains the possibility of a tag-and-trade scenario for Barkley, who has accounted for over 5,000 rushing yards for the franchise.

If he doesn’t end up back with the Giants, the star running back seemed intrigued about possibly joining the Los Angeles Chargers, a team whose new head coach, Jim Harbaugh, reportedly has an interest in obtaining him should the running back become available, according to former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf.

In 17 games this season, the Chargers rushed for 1,627 yards. Barkley played 14 games this season and ran for 962 yards. Barkley would immediately give Los Angeles a dependable, every-down running back they haven’t had in years.

Barkley, appearing on the Up&Adams podcast with Kay Adams, was asked if he would consider joining the Chargers if things didn’t work out with the Giants. Carefully measuring his words, Barkley said, “I’ve got nothing but respect for Coach Harbaugh. Obviously, the success he had in the NFL before and playing against him in college.

“I’m a big fan of Justin Herbert, and I think he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. But hey, if the opportunity were able to present itself, I definitely wouldn’t be against it,” he said.

If Barkley were to land in the same backfield as quarterback Justin Herbert and, if he’s retained in free agency, running back Austin Ekler, that trio, along with receiver Keenan Allen, would give the Chargers a formidable offense.

It would also benefit Barkley, who just fell shy of posting a 1,000-yard season for the fourth time in his six-year career, as he wouldn’t have to carry the load as he has frequently done for the Giants offense.