After spending the first six years in the NFL with the New York Giants, superstar running back Saquon Barkley headed into NFL free agency this year with the mindset of keeping his options open and seemingly heavily leaning toward leaving the team that drafted him for greener pastures.
Ultimately, the Giants weren’t willing to pay Barkley what he believed he was worth, which obviously didn’t sit well with arguably one of the best running backs in the game, so he did something no one expected him to do when given the opportunity.
Barkley decided to sign with the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, which was a shocking turn of events, as it was not only a slap in the face for the Giants, but he also made the NFC heavyweights that much better offensively moving forward.
So far, Barkley has been the ideal addition for the Eagles, as he has been consistent and, as advertised, as their lead back coming out of the backfield in Philadelphia.
On Sunday, Barkley had the chance to get some revenge against his old team, visiting MetLife Stadium for the first time since signing with the Eagles, which was a big moment for him that he took total advantage of by having a big day on the ground.
Barkley finished 34 rushing yards shy of cracking the 200-yard mark on Sunday while scoring a touchdown via Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team.
#Eagles RB Saquon Barkley in his return today vs. the #Giants:
🦅 17 carries
🦅 176 rushing yards
🦅 1 TD#26 let his play do the talking. pic.com/iKc3RINwyX
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 20, 2024
Here are some fan reactions to Barkley’s big day against his old team in New York:
imagine picking Daniel Jones over this dude
— AB (@antb__21) October 20, 2024
my goat 🦅🔥
— Barkley Super Bowl LIX MVP (0-0) (@BarkleysBurner_) October 20, 2024
10.6 yards a rush is WILD
— Mike #TJForDPOY (@ItalianChungus) October 20, 2024
Giants fans in shambles
— ✭ (@MossedBy88) October 20, 2024
Barkley is indeed a happy man after sticking it to the Giants on Sunday, who ironically benched starting quarterback Daniel Jones during the game.
Many Giants fans were unhappy that the team prioritized signing Jones to a long-term deal rather than paying Barkley what he deserves, making this game poetic justice for the star running back and another step in the wrong direction for New York.
