The Saquon Barkley saga seems to get a new chapter written every single day. The latest installment was revealed on HBO’s “Hard Knocks” show when Giants owner John Mara dropped regret over the mere possibility of losing his star rusher.
Then, after news leaked of Barkley inking a three-year, $37.75 million deal with the Eagles, nervous laughter filled the room at their corporate offices in New Jersey. The Giants had a budget set in stone at the running back spot, one that went “north” of what even Barkley’s agent envisioned. The Eagles danced on their own. The Giants stood in the corner.
Here is how everything went down during Giants’ free agency, according to a video posted on social media (h/t TG Videos):
Owner John Mara: What’s the latest on the Saquon thing?
GM Joe Schoen: I just got a text that Chicago’s driving the price up and Philly’s out. I don’t know if that’s true or not … I’ll make a couple calls, I don’t even know if that’s gonna happen but [trailing off].
Owner John Mara: I would have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia. I’ll tell you that. As I’ve told you, just being honest. I’ve been around enough players … he’s the most popular player we have by far.”
Later, the scene shifts to Chris Rossetti — Giants’ director of pro scouting — reading the details of Barkley’s contract with the Eagles on his phone. Mara immediately glances in the direction of Schoen, with considerable concern glued to his face. The room erupts in what can best be described as nervous laughter.
GM Joe Schoen: We’re gonna be … we’re gonna be fine.
Owner John Mara: I think we will be, too.
Saquon Barkley: ‘Premier Running Back, First and Foremost’
The Saquon Barkley move has been the talk of the offseason. The gift that keeps on giving. Thanks to HBO’s “Hard Knocks” show, the way the Eagles literally swooped in and snatched him from the Giants has been put in a glass box for everyone to see. Nothing was lost in translation. General manager Joe Schoen went on record saying no counter-offer was made.
“What’s he going to get? North of what you said? 12.5 APY, 25 guaranteed, north of that? OK, we’re not going to go there,” Schoen tells Barkley’s agent Ed Berry, via NFL Media. “We’re out. … Is it in the division? I’m trying to prepare myself mentally for what’s going to happen, that’s all.”
Meanwhile, the Eagles believe they scored the biggest prize in free agency. Saquon Barkley is a generational talent, fit in the same mold as Christian McCaffrey due to his game-changing ability to excel in all facets: rushing, receiving, blocking.
New offensive coordinator Kellen Moore was fighting back a wide smile, stopping at one point to readjust his grin and set realistic expectations. It’s a long season, plus the Eagles are tweaking their vaunted offensive line to make up for the loss of Jason Kelce.
“Saquon [Barkley] is a premier running back, first and foremost. We’re really excited about his ability to run the football,” Moore told reporters on May 9. “Obviously behind this offensive line, he’s done a tremendous job. They have such cohesion and done a great job up front. He’s going to be a great running back.
“We know the aspects that make him great. It’s his ability to be a great pass protector, to be a receiver out of the backfield. He does a phenomenal job with those things. Obviously, we’ve got to try to utilize him as much as we can while understanding it’s a long season for running backs. We’ve got great guys behind him in Kenny [Gainwell] and Will [Shipley] and all the guys back there that we’re excited about. We’re fortunate to have Saquon.”
AP Photo/Chris Szagola
