Eagles’ Saquon Barkley: ‘Of Course’ Giants Letting Me Walk Left a Chip on My Shoulder

Julia StumbaughSeptember 13, 2024

Pedro Vilela/Getty Images

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley says “of course” it hurt to have the New York Giants let him walk in free agency after six seasons.

“It does leave a chip on your shoulder, but I always have a chip on my shoulder, no matter what,” Barkley said on Friday’s episode of The Rich Eisen Show (1:50 mark of the video below).

Barkley continued: “Did it leave a little chip on my shoulder? Did it hurt a little bit? Yeah, of course. But I’m thankful for the opportunity. And sometimes, they say the grass ain’t always greener, but looking over right here, my family’s happy, I’m happy, I’m smiling more. Everything about me is trending upwards, so I’m just super blessed for the opportunity.

“But the chip is on my shoulder, not just because of the Giants letting me walk, just because there’s something I wanna do. I’m on a mission, and I want to accomplish it.”

Barkley scored three touchdowns to lead his new team to a 34-29 season-opening victory over the Green Bay Packers last Friday in São Paulo, Brazil.

The two-time Pro Bowler made 24 carries for 109 yards and two touchdowns, while adding two catches for 23 yards and another score.

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

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

The victory marked a triumphant Eagles debut for Barkley, who signed a three-year deal with the team in March.

Barkley was unable to reach agreement on a long-term contract with the Giants after two franchise-tagged seasons with the team. He turned down a Giants offer in 2023 which would have guaranteed him around $23 million, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

The Eagles then brought him to Philadelphia on a deal worth up to $46.75 million with $26 million fully guaranteed.

All eyes will be on Barkley when he reunites with his former team as the Eagles head to MetLife Stadium on Oct. 20. If the running back’s season debut was any indication, Barkley will present a serious challenge for the Giants defense during the Week 7 contest.