Saquon Barkley was the second total choice within the 2018 NFL Draft. He completed his rookie season with the New York Giants with 1,307 speeding yards and have become a fan favourite.
However Barkley’s representatives and the Giants entrance workplace weren’t capable of attain an settlement on a contract extension within the offseason. Barkley entered the free agent marketplace for the primary time in his profession and signed with the NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles.
This Sunday, Barkley will doubtless now not be thought of a favourite among the many Giants’ devoted when he returns to MetLife Stadium. Will probably be the primary time Barkley performs there as an Eagle.
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Philadelphia Eagles working again Saquon Barkley leaves the sector after a win in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers Sept. 7, 2024, on the Neo Quimica Area in Sao Paulo. (AP Picture/Andre Penner)
Though Barkley will emerge from the guests’ locker room and take the sector sporting an opposing group’s jersey, he doesn’t anticipate boos to rain down on him from Giants followers.
“I do not anticipate an awesome response. I do not anticipate to be booed,” Barkley mentioned. “I take a look at it like this: The Philadelphia Eagles and New York Soccer Giants most likely performed in over 200 video games. This rivalry was there earlier than me, and it will be there after me.”
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Barkley additionally instructed feelings surrounding his Giants exit have largely subsided.
“Perhaps I am naive, however I feel it is over. That chapter’s closed,” he informed reporters previous to the Eagles’ win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 6. “I actually do not care no extra, and I am fairly certain followers do not care no extra.”
New York Giants working again Saquon Barkley after a recreation Jan. 7, 2024. (Kevin R. Wexler/USA At this time Community)
Earlier than Sunday’s recreation in New Jersey kicks off, Barkley mentioned he’ll have already got visualized scoring a landing.
“I am fairly certain I will visualize breaking an extended landing run, making performs there,” Barkley informed ESPN. “That goes a good distance.”
Whereas New York normal supervisor Joe Schoen did have conversations with Barkley and his agent throughout the offseason, he appeared to cease in need of formally providing the star working again a brand new deal. The Giants dealing with of Barkley’s scenario was documented on HBO’s “Exhausting Knocks.”
A clip from this system confirmed Giants co-owner and CEO John Mara telling Schoen he was “going to have a troublesome time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia.”
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones walks off the sector after enjoying in opposition to the Dallas Cowboys Sept. 26, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Picture/Adam Starvation)
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Barkley beforehand confirmed that he nonetheless retains in contact with a few of his former teammates.Â
“I keep in touch with numerous the fellows over there. I used to be there for six years. I acquired numerous associates there,” he mentioned. “No unhealthy emotions for these guys.”
Giants quarterback Daniel Jones mentioned he talks “regularly” with Barkley and admitted seeing his former teammate in a inexperienced jersey was an adjustment.Â
“It’s a little totally different. Simply used to being on the sector with him, seeing him in Giants colours,” Jones mentioned. “So, yeah, seeing him in an Eagles uniform for the primary time was just a little bit totally different for certain.”
The Giants and Eagles kick off at 1 p.m. ET Sunday.
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