Eagles’ Saquon Barkley Says He Reached Out to Daniel Jones After Giants’ Week 1 Loss

Zach BacharContributor ISeptember 12, 2024

Pedro Vilela/Getty Images

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley revealed that he talked to former teammate Daniel Jones following the New York Giants’ 28-6 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1.

“I talked to him,” Barkley told reporters on Thursday, via ESPN’s Tim McManus. “I’m really good friends with DJ, obviously he didn’t have the game that he wants.”

He added that he told Jones to “go out there and play free” and “do what you do best.”

Tim McManus @Tim_McManusSaquon Barkley said he reached out to former teammate Daniel Jones following Jones’ tough outing in the Giants’ opener.

“Just go out there and play free.” pic.twitter.com/uZsm5OlBYR

Jones threw two interceptions in the Giants’ loss, one of which was returned for a touchdown.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReportDaniel Jones throws a pick-6 😬

Oh boy.

(via @Vikings)pic.twitter.com/emeRHFxq3L

Jones finished 22-of-42 for 186 yards in the defeat. He also gained just 15 rush yards on six attempts.

Barkley and Jones were teammates on the Giants from 2019 through 2023. They made the postseason in one year as a pair, leading New York to the divisional round of the playoffs during the team’s 2022 campaign after finishing with a 9-7-1 record.

Following the postseason appearance, the Giants handed Jones a four-year extension worth $160 million.

Barkley was unable to agree to a long-term deal with the team, playing on an adjusted franchise tag in 2023 before signing a three-year, $37.75 million contract with Philadelphia in March.

Giants general manager Joe Schoen revealed that Jones’ contract made it difficult to retain Barkley on another franchise tag in 2024 during an offseason moment captured on Hard Knocks.

“You’re paying the guy $40 million,” Schoen said. “It’s not to hand the ball off to a $12 million back.”

Barkley fared much better in his 2024 season debut, recording three total touchdowns during a 34-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers. He picked up 109 rush yards on 24 carries, adding another 23 yards as a receiver.

NFL @NFLSAQUON BARKLEY HAS THREE TDS IN HIS @EAGLES DEBUT.

📺: #GBvsPHI on Peacock pic.twitter.com/WNuj78udYi

As for Jones, he’ll look to bounce back in the Giants’ Week 2 matchup with the Washington Commanders. Kickoff is on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.