Saquon Barkley put on a show in his debut game for the Philadelphia Eagles. After starring in one of the biggest sagas in the 2023 NFL season, the former No. 2 overall pick finished his time with the New York Giants and signed with their divisional rival, instantly making them Super Bowl contenders.
Barkley is off to a brilliant start, recording three total touchdowns against the Green Bay Packers (two rushing TDs and one passing touchdown) in the season opener in Sao Paulo. It didn't take long for fans to remember that the Giants let him walk just like that.
Dallas Cowboys star defender Micah Parsons also took to social media to call out the Giants:
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After six years at MetLife Stadium, Barkley couldn't come to an agreement with the Giants, eventually going to Philadelphia to sign with a team two years removed from its most recent Super Bowl appearance. Barkley had 1,201 carries for 5,211 yards and 47 touchdowns as a Giant.
Despite suffering serious injuries in his knee and ankle, Barkley still became the best offensive player on the Giants roster, but the current state of the running back market didn't play in his favor. In the end, he signed a three-year, $37.5 million deal with the Eagles.
In just one night, this move is already paying off for the Eagles, Saquon Barkley has carried the ball 24 times for 109 yards and two touchdowns. In addition, he's gotten two receptions for 23 yards and another score.
Giants' young star explains why the team let Saquon Barkley walk
Saquon Barkley's contract dispute with the Giants left many fans confused. Kayvon Thibodeaux, who's expected to become a leader for the team, expressed his opinion on the four-time Super Bowl champions parting with their star. Speaking on "The Pivot Podcast" on Aug. 21, he said:
"Running back is that sacrificial lamb. It's the guy who's getting the ball 30 times a game. I'm on a plane, sitting next to him, seeing how beat up he is after a win or loss, seeing whether he gets the ball. He doesn't get the ball; he's still beat up because there are so many guys coming after him."
Now, New York is fully focused on QB Daniel Jones and seeing if he can take them to the promised land. As for Barkley, he's already shown that he's still got it and under the right conditions, he can be a serious threat to opponents this season.
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