Much has been made about the offseason negotiations between the New York Giants and former running back Saquon Barkley.
Though Barkley wound up signing a huge three-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, the subject has been a major focus of “Hard Knocks” since the first episode premiered in early July.
It was clear general manager Joe Schoen wanted to let Barkley test the market to avoid overpaying on their first offer but also to avoid disrespecting Barkley on a low-ball offer.
The Giants knew they weren’t re-signing Barkley once the Eagles entered the picture with their contract offer.
But Barkley revealed on the Scoop City Podcast with The Athletic’s Dianna Russini that he felt his Giants career was over once Schoen told him they were going to let him test the market.
“It was over after that phone call in my opinion,” Barkley said. “I never in my heart truly believed that they were going to match it or they only wanted me for a lower price. So like no matter what I probably wasn’t going to go back.”
We watched the #Giants side play out on Hard Knocks…now here’s Saquon Barkley’s version.
The Philadelphia #Eagle joins Scoop City in an exclusive interview on Tuesday. #ScoopCity
🎤https://t.co/Gx1G2MzGMs pic.twitter.com/Pz7dBbQ91p
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) July 22, 2024
Considering how analytical Schoen is when it comes to running backs and the age cliff at the position, the Giants weren’t going to match that offer from the Eagles.
Still, it seems Barkley’s mind was made up once he was told he was allowed to hit the market.