A Year After the Barkley Move: Giants and Eagles Revisit the Decision
It has been nearly a year since the Philadelphia Eagles made one of the most consequential free agent acquisitions in NFL history when the New York Giants let Saquon Barkley walk. This move ultimately led the Eagles to their second Super Bowl in franchise history. Despite the passing time, the decision remains a hot topic, and Giants General Manager Joe Schoen was recently asked about it at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Schoen’s Response: A Moment of Reflection
Schoen was asked his very first question at the podium whether he regretted not re-signing Barkley. His response was measured and diplomatic. "I’m happy for Saquon, obviously he went on to win the Super Bowl, and we wish him nothing but the best. You’re always going to evaluate all the decisions you make, and we were in a different place in our build," Schoen stated. While the criticism from fans and the media has been significant, Schoen’s response reflects a sense of acceptance and professional graciousness. The Giants were indeed in a different phase of their team-building, and financial constraints played a crucial role in their decision-making.
The Giants’ Financial Dilemma
Barkley entered the 2024 offseason without a contract, and the drama surrounding his situation played out on HBO’s "Hard Knocks," which spotlighted the Giants’ offseason activities. In a pivotal conversation with Schoen, Barkley’s agent, Ed Berry, outlined the terms: a three-year deal worth $12.5 million per year with $25 million guaranteed. Schoen, in a conversation with Giants owner John Mara, admitted that if the Giants matched that deal, Barkley would remain a Giant. However, Berry’s hesitance indicated that the Giants might have been underestimating Barkley’s market value.
A Difficult Decision
"Hard Knocks" captured a phone call between Barkley and Schoen, where Schoen advised Barkley to test the market in free agency to determine his value. Schoen also suggested that the Giants would do their best to match any offers, but he did not want to use the franchise tag on Barkley. Barkley confirmed his desire to stay with the Giants, but the financial reality proved challenging. Schoen and Mara were aware of the potential interest from other teams, including the Chicago Bears and Eagles. Mara expressed his deep concern about Barkley joining a division rival like Philadelphia, saying, "I’ll have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia, I’ll tell you that."
Barkley’s Journey to Philadelphia
On March 13, 2024, Barkley signed a three-year, $37.75 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, making him the second-highest paid running back in the NFL with an average annual value of $12.58 million. This deal provided Barkley with nearly $12 million more over three seasons than what the Giants were willing to offer. The move was a significant blow to the Giants, who faced criticism from fans and media. The impact was further amplified when Barkley helped lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory in his first year with the team.
Aftermath and Reflections
In the weeks that followed, the Giants’ decision to let Barkley go continued to be a source of debate. Schoen further explained the decision in a podcast with Fox Sports’ Peter Schaeger, stating, "It was difficult. It always is. And where our roster is, and the different needs that we had and how we’re going to allocate our funds that we had, we had to make a difficult decision." Barkley, on his part, has maintained that there is no bad blood between him and the Giants. He has expressed enthusiasm about his new team, saying he "can’t imagine playing anywhere else" other than Philadelphia. The HBO "Hard Knocks" series, which provided an inside look at the Giants’ decision-making, may not return for a second season, partly due to the criticism it received for its portrayal of the Barkley trade.
Conclusion
The decision to let Saquon Barkley leave for the Philadelphia Eagles will likely continue to be a topic of discussion for years to come. While the Giants have moved on, focusing on their team’s future, the impact of this decision remains clear. Barkley’s success with the Eagles and his Super Bowl victory are a testament to his talent and the strategic choices made by both teams. As time passes, the initial sting may fade, but the legacy of this move will undoubtedly shape the narrative of both the Giants and Eagles for years to come.
