Perhaps the most surprising signing in NFL free agency this offseason was star running back Saquon Barkley, who left the New York Giants after six seasons to ink a deal with the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles.
All signs pointed to Barkley leaving the Giants, but the consensus was that he would end up signing with the upstart Houston Texans to join forces with promising young quarterback C.J. Stroud.
That seemed like a smart move for Barkley as he could start fresh with a team that had it going on both sides of the football and they could be a very good football team in a winnable division for many years to come.
Instead, Barkley goes to play for a team he once openly said he hated because of the rivalry with the Giants to help the Eagles get back on track after a forgettable performance during the 2023 campaign.
With Barkley making such a move, he’s gotten some expected criticism from fans and Giants legend Tiki Barber, which he responded to this week in a press conference with his new team via Giants Videos.
“I got nothing but love and respect,” Barkley said. “I don’t think I handled it the right way on social media, I could’ve given a proper goodbye…I’m forever grateful for the Giants fans.”
Saquon Barkley addresses Giants fans:
"I got nothing but love and respect. I don't think I handled it the right way on social media, I could've given a proper goodbye…I'm forever grateful for the Giants fans." pic.twitter.com/V1XI5QeQTL
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) March 14, 2024
There seems to be no love lost between Barkley and the Giants, as the divorce didn’t exactly go as smoothly as it could’ve, but he clearly became frustrated with the way he was used and compensated in New York.
The rivalry between these two teams will be elevated to another level in 2024, as Barkley can expect to be booed when he plays back in New York at MetLife Stadium from then on.
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