Six-year veteran Saquon Barkley raised some eyebrows by leaving the New York Giants for the division rival Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year, $37.75 million deal in free agency.
It’s a clear fit on paper as the Eagles also lost D’Andre Swift to the Bears, but a big name like this joining a rival will always get a polarizing reaction from fans and former players.
While former Giants running back Tiki Barber dragged Barkley through the mud, NFL legend Barry Sanders went a different route and congratulated Barkley on the move and spoke highly of his character, to which Barkley simply replied, “thank you” with a couple of goat emojis.
🐐🐐thank you ! ✊🏾 https://t.co/UuRjq9rU4u
— Saquon Barkley (@saquon) March 12, 2024
Positive vibes are always welcome, and they were needed after Saquon made headlines yesterday for calling Barber a “hater” after Barber said Saquon was dead to him following the move to Philly.
The always likable Sanders turned the macro conversation around and acknowledged that while Saquon clearly wanted to stay with one team forever, “life has funny turns” and that his character will carry him through everything he faces in life.
Barkley will look to get back to the big numbers he put up in 2022 after once again going through injuries behind one of the NFL’s worst offensive lines last season.
The Giants gave up 85 sacks last season and went through three quarterbacks due to injuries.
It was the second-most sacks ever surrendered in one season, and Barkley will now have the luxury of running behind what has consistently been one of the league’s most dominant lines in Philly.
NEXT: Barry Sanders Has A Clear Message For Saquon Barkley