Barkley has made a statement in the wake of the most recent Hard Knocks episode.
Saquon Barkley’s decision to leave Big Blue and join the Philadelphia Eagles this summer has only intensified the rivalry between the NY Giants and Philadelphia Eagles. We’ve had a detailed look at the exchange between Barkley and Joe Schoen, thanks to Hard Knocks.
The moment Schoen called No. 26 and instructed him to go out on the open market—something Saquon wasn’t too fond of—is a popular clip from the show that people can’t stop talking about. Speaking with Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Barkley took a slight jab at Schoen, claiming that as soon as he and his now-former general manager concluded their chat, he knew the Giants were done with him:
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
Saquon Barkley gives his side of the NY Giants free agency story
“It was over after that phone call (with Joe Schoen) in my opinion. 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. “
– Saquon Barkley
You sensed during the winter that Schoen wasn’t going to provide Barkley the kind of money he was seeking. After Barkley’s agent disclosed the highest offer the running back had on the table on Hard Knocks, Schoen promptly declared the Giants were out.
When Barkley’s three-year, $37.75 million contract with the Eagles was announced, it seemed like the sky was falling, but Schoen assured John Mara that the Giants would be alright. Mara had no intention of Barkley leaving town, much less traveling to Philadelphia, but that is the way events have transpired.
The two-time Pro Bowler signing with Howie Roseman has continued to be the subject of public outrage, and this most recent video is already receiving a lot of harsh social media comments. Prior to the two Giants-Eagles games in 2024, there will be much more of that.