For years, the New York Giants failed to do right by their best player.
Saquon Barkley repeatedly talked about his desire to stay with the organization for the remainder of his career, but they didn’t seem to feel the same way about him.
The Giants placed him under the franchise tag last season and were barely able to meet his demands on a one-year deal.
Then, they didn’t even try to retain him in the offseason, so he wound up leaving to join a divisional rival, the Philadelphia Eagles.
With that in mind, his former HC Brian Daboll wanted to make it loud and clear that he had nothing but the utmost respect for the talented running back.
Talking to NFL insider Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, he stated that he wishes Barkley — as well as all the players who left — all the best, except when they’re playing against the Giants (via Ian Rapoport):
“I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for Saquon and all the players that went on to other places,” he said. “Wish him all the best except when he is playing the Giants.”
#Giants coach Brian Daboll, to @TomPelissero in Orlando: “I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for Saquon (Barkley) and all the players that went on to other places. … Wish him all the best except when he is playing the Giants.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 23, 2024
Some fans called Barkley out for joining a divisional foe, but it’s not like he didn’t try to stay in the Big Apple.
The Eagles were very aggressive in their pursuit of the Penn State product, who will now be heading back home.
The Giants, on the other hand, despite having an offensive-minded coach, favored the defensive side of the field in the offseason.
Ironically, they might be better off without Barkley, not because he wasn’t a superstar, but because they used that cap space to address several needs.
Still, he’ll definitely have those two games against them marked on his calendar.
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