No player has played in more regular season games for the Eagles than Brandon Graham, but there is a first time for everything.
The 36-year-old defensive end witnessed something this spring he never thought he’d see in his long and illustrious career.
He saw Saquon Barkley in the Eagles green.
“He was in good shape,” Graham said Monday at the St. Jude Big Daddy Celebrity Golf Classic & Gala at Cold Spring Harbor Country Club in Huntington, Long Island. “It’s unfortunate how things turned out. Saxon is definitely in good shape right now.”
Well, here’s where the clarification comes in: Who is it unfortunate for that Barkley is now with the Eagles?
“It’s unfortunate for Giants fans because we kind of lost a top player,” Graham said with a laugh. “I know business is business, but I know Saquon is definitely looking forward to this season.”
no doubt.
Barkley joined the Giants as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Contract turmoil sparked rumors that his time with the Giants was nearing an end, but there was still a sense that a parting of ways was avoidable.
The Giants seriously considered a three-year deal with Barkley around the 2022 season, but that never happened after they opted not to acquire him after the 2023 season.
Barkley turned free agent and shortly after hitting the market, the Eagles signed him to a three-year, $37.75 million contract with $26 million guaranteed, more than the Giants had offered.
Thus, Barkley turned the tables in a rivalry that had become a one-sided battle during his six years with the team.
He appeared in nine games against the Eagles and the Giants were 2-7 in those games.
The Giants will face the Eagles at MetLife Stadium on October 20th in what should be a very exciting game.
“It’s, you know, [Terrell Owens] Did he go to Dallas and get booed?'” Graham said of the former Eagles wide receiver who went to the Cowboys. “That’s how it is. [Barkley] “Maybe he didn’t want to make that decision. We definitely got a good player, so we’re very happy. He’s a great guy, too. I’m excited to see what he does this year.”
Giants fans who are willing to let Barkley go may change their mind if he plays well in 2024.
“I know people are upset about this,” Graham said. “They’re hoping nothing comes of this. I know how upset some people are about this.”
Barkley, 27, surpassed 1,000 yards three times in his six years with the Giants, and had 962 yards in 14 games last season.
His time with the Blue Team was frequently marred by injuries and shoddy play from the offensive line, which hindered his ability to get out of the backfield.
The Eagles have one of the most talented offensive lines in the league despite the retirement of center Jason Kelce, which should be a big benefit for Barkley.
“I guess we’ll just have to wait and see,” Graham said. “I don’t want to predict anything, but I know we have a good team and I expect big things.”
Graham, a fan favorite in Philadelphia, has said he will retire after this season and will return for his 15th and final season.
He has played in more regular season games (195) than any player in franchise history.
Graham has been sacked 73 times in his career and has often been a thorn in the Giants’ side.
He recorded three sacks in a 48-22 win over the Giants in 2022 and was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
He will forever be part of Eagles lore for his strip-sack of Tom Brady in the fourth quarter of the Eagles’ 41-33 win over the Patriots in Super Bowl 52.
Graham, who played against Berkeley, recalled there were rules the Eagles tried to follow.
“The biggest thing is not letting him hit home runs,” Graham said. “If he hits a home run, he’s a home run hitter. I know with Saquon, he’s always been a guy you didn’t want to see in the daylight.”
Now he and Barkley are teammates, and Graham can’t believe it.
“That just doesn’t happen,” he said. “After all the years I’ve played, there’s no way I’d go and play for the Cowboys or the rival Giants. That’s the way business is conducted. I think that’s probably why he wanted to come here. I know he’s lived up to his advertising.”
