Eagles legend buries the Giants over losing Saquon Barkley

To say that many New York Giants fans were upset about losing Saquon Barkley in free agency would be an understatement. The fact that they lost him to the rival Philadelphia Eagles makes the situation ever harder to swallow for fans in New York.

Even though he’s happy that Barkley is now in Midnight Green, Eagles veteran defensive end Brandon Graham is able to commiserate with those Giants fans who are still salty about losing their franchise back.

“It sucked for the Giants fans because that’s like us losing our top guy,’’ Graham said recently. “I understand business is business, but I know Saquon definitely is looking forward to this season.’’

Barkley spent the first six years of his career with the Giants before signing with the Eagles this offseason. During that time he was named to two Pro Bowls, and was also named the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2018. Though he has dealt with some injury issues over the course of his career, Barkley should still have plenty of gas left in the tank at just 27 years old.

Making matters tougher for New York fans is the fact that they will now have to watch their team play against Barkley twice a season, as both teams the Eagles are Giants are in the NFC East. The first matchup between the teams in 2024 is set for Sunday, Oct. 20 at MetLife Stadium. When it coems to that game, Graham is expecting a raucous reaction from Giants fans.

“That’s gonna be like how, you know how [Terrell Owens] went to Dallas and got booed?’’ Graham said of the former Eagles wide receiver who moved on to the Cowboys. “It’s going to be one of those things. I know with [Barkley] he probably didn’t want to have to make that decision. We’re loving it because we definitely got a good player. Great dude, too. Just can’t wait to see what he does this year.’’

On a national level, expectations are sky-high for Barkley in Philadelphia. After all, he joined an offense that also includes quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

If Barkley is able to live up to those expectations and help the Eagles go on a deep playoff run, Giants fans will be even more bothered, especially since the outlook for their own organization is pretty bleak. The Giants were recently named the least desirable trade destination in the entire NFL.