New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is set to join the Philadelphia Eagles when the new league year begins and free agency officially begins.
After failing to agree to a new deal with the Giants, Barkley opted to join their division rival on a three-year, $37.75 million deal.
The decision prompted a critical reaction from former New York running back Tiki Barber, who voiced his displeasure over Barkley’s free agency decision on Monday.
“You’re dead to us, Saquon. Good luck, you’re dead to me,” said an animated Barber on “Evan and Tiki” on WFAN radio.
Barkley got wind of those comments, and he wasn’t very appreciative of what the 10-year veteran running back had to say. He issued a response on X in which he defended his decision.
@TikiBarber lol yup you’re the prime example of loyalty to a team.. I got the deal I wanted, secured more gm which wasn’t given to me before… so if fans are gonna hate me for that so be it! But I never turned my back on my teammates and always had theirs https://t.co/6aKgJquD0F
— Saquon Barkley (@saquon) March 11, 2024
“Lol yup you’re the prime example of loyalty to a team.. I got the deal I wanted, secured more [guaranteed money] which wasn’t given to me before… so if fans are gonna hate me for that so be it! But I never turned my back on my teammates and always had theirs,” Barkley wrote on Monday evening.
Barber, a second-round pick in 1997, spent his entire career with the Giants, a career trajectory he seemingly hoped Barkley would follow.
Barkley, the No. 2 pick in 2018, spent the first six years of his career in New York. He was signed to the franchise tag in ’23 after failing to agree to a new contract. Negotiations resumed this offseason, but the two sides were ultimately unable to reach an agreement, prompting the 27-year-old to join the rival Eagles.
