After spending his first six seasons in the NFL with the New York Giants, running back Saquon Barkley decided it was time for a change as he was able to test free agency and explore his options on the open market.
Barkley chose to sign with the bitter division-rival Philadelphia Eagles, which was a devastating blow for the Giants, who lost the face of the franchise to a team they have to play twice a season while competing for the NFC East title.
So far, it looks like the move has worked out in Barkley’s favor, as he has hit the ground running in Philadelphia and become one of its most potent weapons on offense.
The Eagles might not be getting a lot of buzz as one of the best teams in the NFC right now, but Philadelphia is 3-2 and still might be able to make a run at a playoff spot.
In Week 7, Barkley will face his former team for the first time since signing with the Eagles, which will likely be an emotional moment for him, though he is trying to downplay it somewhat.
“I don’t have to prove anything to them. Whether I have 300 yards or 10 yards, as long as we win. … I don’t have that big of pride or ego. There’s no hate over there,” Barkley said, via Giants Video.
“I don’t have to prove anything to them. Whether I have 300 yards or 10 yards, as long as we win…I don’t have that big of pride or ego. There’s no hate over there.”
Saquon Barkley talks about playing the Giants for the first time: pic.twitter.com/d8qnwmH6FA
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) October 16, 2024
Regardless of what Barkley says publicly, there’s no doubt this is a big game for him, especially considering how he was treated in New York before he ultimately chose to leave for not being paid what he believed he was worth.
It’ll be interesting to see whether Barkley proves to be the difference in this matchup at MetLife Stadium and if the Eagles can get another win while handling their division rivals a loss.
