The best running back in New York is …

Saquon Barkley or Le’Veon Bell?

Barkley, as a rookie last season, established himself as one of the NFL’s best players. As a running back, he had the local market all to himself. Now that Bell has signed with the Jets, however, the teams that share MetLife Stadium both have elite running backs, so let the debate begin.

“I was a fan of [Bell],’’ Barkley said Tuesday after a Giants organized team activity practice. “I used to watch Le’Veon and when I got here, he was one of the first guys that I broke down his film. I don’t see it as extra motivation. At the end of the day, I am competing with myself and competing to be the best for my team. I really don’t care what any other back in the league does, I just care about what is happening here.’’

Bell, 27, sat out the entire 2018 season in a contract dispute with the Steelers, then signed a four-year contract worth $52.5 million with the Jets. His best season came in 2014, when he rushed for 1,361 yards. He caught a career-high 85 passes in the 2017 season. Barkley rushed for 1,307 yards and caught 91 passes in 2018 and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Barkley only met Bell once and it was, he said, “a short greet.’’ They have interacted on social media.

“We definitely respect each other’s games,’’ Barkley said. “He sat out last year and that is not good for the league in general because he is such a tremendous player. You look forward to seeing a guy like that on Sunday. For him to be here and we are playing in the same stadium, I am excited. I am happy for him and that he found a spot. I am happy that he is able to show his talent. I wish nothing but the best for him.’’

Barkley will get a chance to go head-to-head with Bell twice this season. The Giants and Jets meet in the preseason (Aug. 8) and in the regular season (Nov. 10).