The New York Giants’ running back position will look a little different in 2024. For the past six seasons, Saquon Barkley has been the guy for the Giants, but that has changed now that Barkley has signed with the rival Philadelphia Eagles.
Barring anything unforeseen, New York must see Barkley twice in 2024.
On Monday, at the Annual League Meeting in Orlando, Giants owner John Mara discussed Barkley to the Eagles.
“It was tough, it really was,” Mara said. “Everything he did for us on the field, off the field, he was a class act in every respect. I hated to see him leave. I certainly hated to see him go in the division.
“On a more personal note, I have 14 grandchildren who have a (number) 26 jersey, and it was tough breaking the news to them, too. Saquon was everything you want a player to be. I hated to see him leave. “
Some, including former Giants running back Tiki Barber, criticized Barkley for signing with the rival Eagles; however, according to Mara, those criticisms were not fair.
“Let’s be honest, I would have preferred if it was out of the division, but I have enormous respect for him,” Mara said. “The people that are criticizing him for doing that to me are way off base. These guys, their careers are so short. I understand you’ve got to take the best deal that’s out there. That’s what he did. He grew up in the Pennsylvania area, so I don’t begrudge him that. I’m not looking forward to having to play against him twice in a year, but I’ll always have enormous respect and appreciation for everything he did for us.”
Barkley got the best deal for him, and having him in Philly is scary for the Giants and the rest of the NFL. If he can stay healthy, Barkley should have a lot of success for the Eagles in 2024.
