Entering the 2024 season, Barkley was unlikely to remain with the Giants, who opted to pay quarterback Daniel Jones $160 million over four years in 2023 while placing the franchise tag on Barkley to keep him in New York. After a season playing under the tag, Barkley solicited offers from outside suitors. A familiar enemy won, luring Barclay across the Delaware River to Philadelphia.
Graham still couldn’t believe his eyes.
“It was bad for Giants fans because this is like losing our best player,” Graham said with a laugh. “I understand that business is business, but I know Saquon is definitely looking forward to this season.”
Barkley’s move was the latest result of a declining market in which only a small group of players earn more than $10 million annually. After signing a three-year, $37.75 million contract with the Eagles, we can count Barkley among them.
Giants fans may view Barkley’s departure as a blessing in disguise. Running back is not a position that most teams invest heavily in, due to the apparent lack of durability of most who fill the role. It’s not a wise investment in 2024, but that doesn’t mean Barkley will suddenly fall off a cliff — even if Giants fans are already telling themselves that to assuage their disappointment.
“We know people are angry about it,” Graham said. “They hope nothing comes of this. I know how angry some people are about this.”
Barkley’s career has seen its highs and lows. After bursting onto the scene early in his career, injuries derailed Barkley’s journey, and it wasn’t until the surprising success of 2022 that saw the Giants reach the playoffs that people took Barkley seriously again.
That wasn’t enough to convince the Giants to pay Barkley to stay. Now he’s making good money with a team that has higher expectations. Graham can’t wait to see the results.
“I guess you’ll have to find out,” Graham said. “I don’t want to predict anything, but I know we have a good team and I expect big things.”