The big wave of free agency is in the rearview, and now the NFL is focusing on the 2024 NFL Draft, which is just a month away. However, the impact of some signings is still being felt. One of those includes Saquon Barkley signing with the Philadelphia Eagles. How is New York Giants owner John Mara reacting?
John Mara ‘Sick’ After Seeing Saquon Barkley Sign With Philadelphia Eagles
After being taken second overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, Barkley went on to spend six seasons with the Giants. In that period, he had 1,201 rushing attempts for 5,211 yards and 35 touchdowns. He also had 288 receptions for 2,100 yards and 12 touchdowns while winning AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2018.
However, after a couple of years of contract disputes and the Giants not wanting to meet Barkley’s requests, the two sides parted ways, with Barkley becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2024. As a result, he signed a three-year, $37.75 million deal with the Eagles that includes $26 million guaranteed.
At the NFL’s annual league meeting in Orlando, Fla., from March 24-27, Mara told reporters he “hated” seeing Barkley leave and that it made him “sick” shortly after he signed. He also shared that he told general manager Joe Schoen he “wouldn’t be thrilled” with him staying in-division, mentioning the two contract offers the Giants gave.
With his Giants career over, Barkley finished with the fourth most rushing yards in franchise history. He sits behind Tiki Barber, who publicly slammed him for signing with Philadelphia, as well as Rodney Hampton and Joe Morris. He also had the sixth most rushing touchdowns in franchise history.
How Did the Giants Replace Barkley?
In losing Barkley, the Giants lose one of the main staples of their offense for the last six years. As a result, they needed to fill the hole he left. In response, they signed former Houston Texans starting running back Devin Singletary. He signed a three-year, $16.5 million deal that can be worth up to $19.5 million.
In five seasons, Singletary has had 888 rushing attempts for 4,049 yards and 20 touchdowns. He’s also had 175 receptions for 1,164 yards and four more touchdowns.
Singletary is currently being backed up by Gary Brightwell, Eric Gray, Jashaun Corbin, and Deon Jackson. The Giants also have six picks in the 2024 NFL Draft that they can use to draft another. Some names in the draft include Jonathon Brooks, Braelon Allen, Trey Benson, Blake Corum, and many more.
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