After hearing the news that his former New York Giants teammate, Daniel Jones, was released by the team on Friday, Philadelphia Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley commented publicly on the move.
“I’m not going to speak too much on that. I’ve been in contact with him. Our friendship has stayed close throughout the whole process of me being here,” Barkley said.
“It sucks to see how everything went down out there. But I have nothing but great things to say about him. I think you’re not gonna really find anybody that can really say any negative things about him, but it’s the NFL. Hopefully, wherever he ends up next, they’re going to get a guy who comes in and works.
“It didn’t work for me over there. I’m doing well over here. Hopefully, he can find the same kind of fresh start and success.”
Barkley was the Giants’ first-round pick in 2018 (No. 2 overall) and Jones was selected No. 6 overall by the Giants the next season. They were both drafted by former general manager Dave Gettleman.
The two had a close relationship that lasted six seasons and three head coaches (Pat Shurmur, Joe Judge, and Brian Daboll). They stood by one another through the highs and the lows (of which there were many) and supported one another during their multiple injuries.
Barkley left via free agency in March, signing a three-year deal with the Eagles. Jones was inked the previous offseason to a four-year, $160 million deal by the Giants.
The Giants once thought that Barkley and Jones would be part of a young core that would take them to great heights.
Today, Barkley has the Eagles at 8-2 and is a viable candidate for the NFL MVP award. Jones, on the other hand, is heading home to contemplate his next career move.
