Saquon Barkley and 2 star players Giants definitely regret letting go in 2024

The New York Giants are deep in a transition period, and the 2024 season has been nothing short of painful for fans. With a dismal 2-9 record and a roster full of missed opportunities, the Giants' struggles have been compounded by watching former star players excel elsewhere.

Three departures, in particular, stand out as moves the Giants are sure to regret: Saquon Barkley, Xavier McKinney, and Leonard Williams. These once-cornerstones of the franchise are now thriving on teams with playoff aspirations, and the Giants are left to ponder what could have been.

With these players having standout seasons on their new squads, it’s hard not to wonder how much better the Giants would be if they had kept them in the fold.

Three former Giants stars giving the G-Men instant regret

Green Bay Packers: Xavier McKinney, S

Losing Xavier McKinney to the Packers has left a gaping hole in the Giants’ secondary. McKinney is having a career year in Green Bay, leading the NFL with seven interceptions through 11 games and anchoring a defense that ranks in the top 10 in scoring. His playmaking ability has helped the Packers to an 8-3 record and firmly in the NFC playoff picture.

In New York, McKinney’s absence has been glaring. The Giants’ secondary struggles to generate turnovers, ranking near the bottom of the league in interceptions. The decision to let McKinney walk rather than pay up now looks like a massive miscalculation, especially given his All-Pro-caliber season.

Philadelphia Eagles: Saquon Barkley, RB

The decision to let Saquon Barkley walk in free agency and join the rival Eagles has become one of the most regrettable moves in recent Giants history. Barkley is putting up career numbers in Philadelphia, leading the league with 1,392 rushing yards, adding 10 touchdowns in just 11 games. His jaw-dropping 6.2 yards per carry has made him the focal point of the Eagles’ top-tier offense.

Barkley’s season highlights include a record-breaking 255 rushing yards in a single game and two 70-plus-yard touchdowns against the Rams. He’s been unstoppable, and Eagles fans are gleefully chanting, “Thank you, Giants,” as Barkley carries their team to a 9-2 record and a clear path to the playoffs.

Meanwhile, the Giants' running back committee has combined for just 76 rushing yards in their latest loss to the Buccaneers. The stark contrast between Barkley’s dominance and the Giants’ futility makes it clear: New York let a generational talent slip away.

Seattle Seahawks: Leonard Williams, DE

While Leonard Williams’ trade to the Seattle Seahawks last season was initially seen as a necessary move for the Giants to free up cap space and secure a high draft pick, it’s become apparent the defensive lineman still had plenty left in the tank.

In his first full season with Seattle, Williams has rekindled the form that made him a dominant force during his earlier years in New York. After managing just 1.5 sacks in eight games with the Giants last year, Williams has regained his pass-rushing prowess in Seattle. His presence in the middle of the defensive line has helped Seattle shore up their run defense and generate more consistent pressure on quarterbacks.

On the other hand, the Giants have struggled to pressure opposing QBs consistently and have one of the weakest run defenses in the league. The combination of Dexter Lawrence and Williams would have likely provided a much-needed boost to a defensive line that has failed to meet expectations this season. While the trade for a second-round pick was logical at the time, the way Williams played for the Seahawks made it clear the Giants could have used his services in 2024.

Watching Barkley, McKinney, and Williams thrive elsewhere is a tough pill to swallow for Giants fans. These players were once the foundation of Big Blue, and their absence is a major reason why 2024 has been such a disaster.

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