The Giants’ choice not to fully commit to keeping running back Saquon Barkley beyond the 2023 season could go down as one of the most regrettable decisions of the past decade. This move has put immense pressure on the current organization to rebuild a team strong enough to make fans forget the loss—especially after Barkley quickly went on to win a Super Bowl with the Eagles.
The fallout between Barkley and the Giants isn’t going anywhere soon, and he’s likely to remind everyone of it whenever he gets the chance. That’s understandable since the Giants drafted him but seemingly underestimated his true worth. And it looks like the Giants won’t be the only team Barkley has circled on his calendar for payback.
Barkley’s grudge goes beyond just the Giants
In a recent interview with streamer Janky Rondo, Barkley was asked if any other teams reached out to him once it was clear he wouldn’t return to New York. He ultimately signed with the Eagles, a divisional rival, which has already proven to be a steal for Philadelphia. But did the other NFC East teams make a move?
Barkley revealed he never heard from the Commanders or the Cowboys. As a result, those two teams have joined the Giants on his list of opponents he’s motivated to dominate. This isn’t exactly new—he played five years with New York and has always been effective against his division foes—but last season he stood out even more.
Against the Cowboys, Barkley hauled in 45 receptions for 233 yards in just two games. Even more impressive was his performance versus the Commanders, despite their run to the NFC Championship. He rushed 55 times for 296 yards and four touchdowns in the regular season, completely overpowering them.
That fire to prove a point will only grow stronger, fueled by their decision to not even offer him a contract.
This motivation clearly carried over to his games against the Giants as well. In the lone matchup last year, Barkley rushed 17 times for 176 yards and a touchdown—another dominant display on his way to earning his first First-Team All-Pro nod, his third Pro Bowl selection, and the Offensive Player of the Year award. Ouch, Giants fans.
With that in mind, the Giants are hoping the upgrades to their defensive line will finally slow Barkley down this fall. Because no one wants to see a player who feels he was let go continue to embarrass the franchise on the field.
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