When Saquon Barkley opted to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles after six seasons with the New York Giants, the worst possible scenario unfolded in year one of Barkley’s tenure in Philly.
Not only did the former second overall pick come within 101 yards of surpassing Eric Dickerson for the single most rushing yards of all-time in a regular season, but Barkley and the Eagles also won the Super Bowl during his first season in the City of Brotherly Love. Barkley’s presence was certainly missed in New York during the 2024 season as the Giants endured their worst season in franchise history by going 3-14 and losing a team-worst 10 straight games.
Despite Barkley thriving in his new home last year, the Giants did string together a widely successful NFL Draft just a few weeks ago, which has some people optimistic about the upcoming season. While Jaxson Dart and Abdul Carter have been the most talked-about selections, Big Blue also selected running back Cam Skattebo in the fourth round. With Skattebo being deemed one of the biggest steals of this draft, could the former Arizona State Sun Devil perhaps help the Giants forget about Barkley’s crushing departure?
Skattebo gives the Giants a shot at redemption in the post-Barkley era
Even though it remains to be seen how many reps Skattebo will get during his rookie season—especially after Tyrone Tracy Jr. had a breakout rookie campaign last year—if Skattebo builds off his phenomenal final collegiate season in 2024... watch out, opposing defenses.
The 23-year-old rushed for over 1,700 yards last year for Arizona State with 21 touchdowns (all career-highs), as well as adding 605 receiving yards. He was a one-man wrecking crew with a violent running style and surprising agility for his fire hydrant-like frame.
Sure, Skattebo wasn’t highly touted during this draft cycle like Barkley was back in 2018, but he still has a chance to prove that his late rise in college was no fluke. Tracy may end up as the Giants’ primary starting running back when it’s all said and done this season, but Skattebo could still prove—through the opportunities he gets out of the backfield in 2025—that the Giants have a legitimate, hard-nosed weapon in their backfield rotation.
Should Skattebo put himself in the Offensive Rookie of the Year conversation, he won’t just be a breakout story—he’ll become a symbol of the franchise turning the page. Barkley was the last Giant to win that honor back in 2018, and his presence has lingered ever since. But if Skattebo gives the Giants a fresh spark in the backfield, fans may finally shift their focus from who left to who’s next.
And if he delivers, Giants fans might finally stop asking who’s replacing Saquon and start asking what’s next with Skattebo.