New York Giants co-owner John Mara. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Giants co-owner details text exchange with Saquon Barkley following deal with Eagles

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 3/25/24

New York Giants co-owner John Mara shared on Monday just how upset he was when running back Saquon Barkley signed with the rival Philadelphia Eagles earlier this month.

Mara said he reached out to the team's former two-time Pro Bowler to express how "sick" he felt after the decision was made.

John Mara said he “hated” seeing Saquon Barkley leave — texted him and told him it made him “sick” shortly after he signed. The fact he left for #Eagles made it a tougher pill to swallow.

Said he was “hoping” Barkley would be back. Referenced the two contracts the #Giants…
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) March 25, 2024

The Giants chose not to place the franchise tag on Barkley in early March, making him a free agent.

Though the 27-year-old spent the first six seasons of his career calling the Eagles an enemy, his relocation to the City of Brotherly Love made sense. Barkley not only grew up in eastern Pennsylvania, but also attended Penn State for three seasons from 2015-17, winning two Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year awards.

When the former AP Offensive Rookie of the Year joined Philadelphia on a three-year contract, he became one of many big names to leave their original teams at the beginning of free agency and sign with a rival.

The Eagles lost their leading rusher from last season — Pro Bowl back D'Andre Swift — to the Chicago Bears the same day that Barkley joined the squad.

The Giants backfield is expected to be led by 26-year-old Devin Singletary in the fall. The 2019 third-round pick signed a three-year, $16.5M deal with the team after spending last season with the Houston Texans.

After spending four years with the Buffalo Bills from 2019-22, Singletary set career highs in rushing attempts (216) and rushing yards (898) in Houston last season.

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