The latest episode of HBO’s long-running series “Hard Knocks” premiered on July 2nd.
Much of the conversation surrounding the first episode of “HBO’s Hard Knocks: The New York Giants Offseason” revolved around former Giants running back Saquon Barkley.
Barkley had a somewhat unceremonious departure from the team that drafted him in the first round in 2018, but he ultimately ended up with his former team’s division rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, much to the disappointment of Giants fans.
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AJ Brown and Saquon Barkley (right) attend Game 6 of the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on May 2, 2024 in Philadelphia. (Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
The “Hard Knocks” episode revealed some of the process Giants executives went through as they considered whether to retain the two-time Pro Bowl selection.
Knicks fans boo Saquon Barkley during Philadelphia game against the 76ers, sparking social media abuse
In the clip, members of the Giants’ front office are heard discussing the obstacles the team could encounter if they tried to trade Barkley after placing the franchise tag on the running back.
Eagles star wide receiver AJ Brown seemed to take issue with what happened in New York, suggesting he was upset with the Giants’ decision to release the running back.
“Saquon’s video inspired me but it wasn’t about me. I will do everything in my power to make sure y’all get them! @saquon,” Brown wrote in a now-deleted post to X.
Knicks fans boo Saquon Barkley during Philadelphia game against the 76ers, sparking social media abuse
Brown agreed to a three-year contract extension worth an estimated $96 million in April, making him the highest-paid player at his position at the time, but was surpassed in June by Justin Jefferson’s historic contract extension.
Giants general manager Joe Sean has previously shared some insight into his team-building philosophy, but those plans didn’t necessarily include paying Barkley a big salary.
New York Giants general manager Joe Sean speaks to the media during the 2024 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Stacey Revere/Getty Images)
“We need to upgrade our offensive line, but we’re paying those guys. [quarterback Daniel Jones] “$40 million. Not to hand the ball to a $12 million running back,” Sean said. “This is Daniel’s year. Our intention from the beginning was to give him a couple of years.”
“Is he going to be our guy for the next 10 years? Or do we need to turn around and find someone else?”
New York Giants player Saquon Barkley, wearing number 26, watches the national anthem before an NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Giants at State Farm Stadium on September 17, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Barkley said in May that he “never received an offer” to return to the Giants, and a preview of the show surfaced in June, suggesting the running back may not have been completely transparent.
The trailer showed Sean on the phone with Barkley saying, “Saquon, are you going to commit to that or you’re not going to give us a chance?” Sean said.
Barkley agreed to a three-year, $37.75 million contract with the Eagles in March.
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Three versions of “Hard Knocks” will air this year: The first version, mentioned above, focuses on the Giants’ offseason, while Chicago Bears training camp and preseason will be documented in a traditional five-part series starting in August.
Finally, for the first time in the show’s history, “Hard Knocks: In Season” will follow all four teams competing in the same division (AFC North) throughout the regular season.
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