Saquon Barkley is now officially a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Feel weird yet?
The former second overall pick, drafted by the New York Giants in 2018, agreed to terms on a massive three-year, $37.5 million deal with the Eagles on Monday afternoon. The move, first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, makes Barkley the second-highest-paid running back in NFL history and sets a new chapter in the Eagles-Giants historic rivalry.
The move stunned many across the NFL as analysts, players, and executives reacted to Philadelphia’s new offensive weapon.
How Did the NFL World React to Saquon Barkley Signing With the Eagles?
Let’s start with current NFL players, shall we? One of the captains of the Eagles made it clear that he wasn’t concerned with Barkley coming to Philadelphia after a six-year career with the Giants.
Yes sir!!! We Litty @saquon welcome my guy! https://t.co/6WflnrN7WP
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) March 11, 2024
Even Philadelphia’s biggest rival for the NFC East crown, the Dallas Cowboys’ star players made it clear their displeasure for one of the division’s top runners shipping homes to the City of Brotherly Love.
😂😂😂 sickening https://t.co/82oy6cUJnq
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) March 11, 2024
Former Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant couldn’t believe it himself, with some NSFW language, “SAQUON A FU—– EAGLE SMH.”
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Plenty of former and current Giants have made it clear that most are not pleased with the signing. After making his displeasure known earlier last week about the signing potentially happening, New York’s franchise leading rusher Tiki Barber has seemingly cut all ties with the former second overall pick.
“He’s dead to us now,” Barber said on WFAN. “You’re dead to us, Saquon. Good luck, you’re dead to me.”
Not ALL Giants are upset, though. A former teammate of Barkley’s, Justin Pugh, understood the signing and gave his best to the two-time Pro Bowler.
“No @Giants fans can be mad at @saquon. He sacrificed it all for the team and organization. The Giants decided they could only pay him a set amount, Philly was willing to pay more,” Pugh said in a tweet. “Plain and simple. Business of football.”
Dianna Russini of The Athletic also made a point to note that the Eagles weren’t done in free agency, either. Philadelphia has needs in the secondary, linebacker, pass rush, and more depth along the offensive line.
👀 Howie SZN
— Lane Johnson (@LaneJohnson65) March 11, 2024
As Lane Johnson has said, though. There may not be another general manager in the NFL quite like Roseman.
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