It doesn't feel real, but it is. The New York Giants are saying goodbye to two-time Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley, as he agreed to a three-year, $37.75 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. The contract also includes $26 million fully guaranteed. Just like that, the former No. 2 overall pick is getting ready to suit up for the G-Men's biggest enemy.
About 30 seconds before the massive Barkley news dropped, No. 26 took to social media to say goodbye to Giants Nation and thank fans who have stood by his side over the past six years. However, people are beyond furious with him since his next home will be in Philly.
Thank you to everyone who has shown me love and support over the past 6 years… forever grateful! Excited for the next chapter 💙✌🏾
— Saquon Barkley (@saquon) March 11, 2024
Saquon Barkley suiting up for the Eagles will never feel right
The Giants knew keeping Barkley was going to be a challenge this offseason. After holding out for a long-term deal at the start of training camp until coming together on an adjusted franchise tag, the hope was that something could finally get done between the two sides in March.
However, Schoen clearly had no desire to overspend for a running back or safety, with Barkley going to Philly and Xavier McKinney being Green Bay-bound. McKinney leaving isn't a stunner, as Green Bay is giving him $68 million over four years. The benefit for the star defensive back is he doesn't have to deal with fans ripping him for joining a rival. The same can't be said for Barkley:
Choosing the Eagles over the Texans is nasty
— JaRunIt🏃 (@BroncosRuntry) March 11, 2024
SAQUON BARKLEY IS A TRAITOR
— 〽️ITCH (@Mitchmvp) March 11, 2024
What a joke. Any integrity gone in an instant. You were never truly a Giant if you could do this. #NYGiants #saquonbarkley #PhiladelphiaEagles pic.twitter.com/GE6A2A1TfT
— CoryGrogan (@CoryGrogan3) March 11, 2024
Honestly, I love the #Giants and I have since I was eight, but this is a betrayal to the fan base. You paid Daniel Jones $40 million a year but you can’t keep Saquon Barkley the face of the franchise and the only person selling jerseys. It’s embarrassing and now he’s an Eagle.
— Yankees Standard (@StandardYa94221) March 11, 2024
Yeahhh I no longer respect you good luck in Philly
— Angel (@gunzny) March 11, 2024
Once a giant always a giant…NOT FOR YOU!!!
— Eddie Johnsoon (@kane8820) March 11, 2024
Didn't wanna be traded midseason but can join a division rival? Stay on that side
— Mike (@Mike_NYY) March 11, 2024
"You’re dead to us, Saquon. Good luck, you’re dead to me"
— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) March 11, 2024
Tiki reacts to Saquon Barkley reportedly signing with the Eagles:https://t.co/Lopy0wjI1M
Now for at least the next three years, the Giants will face Barkley twice a season, with boobirds expected to be loud at MetLife Stadium after all of the blowback Barkley has faced on social media. It's going to sting for a while to see him in a green jersey instead of a blue one.
Despite the Giants reportedly not offering Barkley a new contract, Giants fans still feel like they were done dirty by Barkley, especially with the Houston Texans and the Chicago Bears also reportedly trying to land him when free agency opened. The Barkley era in East Rutherford is officially over. The big bummer here is that it's not the ending any of us imagined.