New York Giants owner John Mara couldn’t contain his emotions after seeing star running back Saquon Barkley choose the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency earlier this month.
So he decided to text his thoughts.
Speaking to reporters at the NFL’s annual owners conference in Orlando on Tuesday, Mara admitted he “hated” to see Barkley go to the Eagles, expressing his feelings via text message.
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New York Giants owner John Mara watches before a game against the Washington Football Team at MetLife Stadium on January 9, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Elsa/Getty Images)
According to SNY, Mara said, “Immediately after signing the petition, I sent an email saying that I felt sick.”
Mara added that he is “hopeful” that Barkley will return, referring to the two contracts the Giants previously offered Barkley. He also reportedly told general manager Joe Schon that he “wouldn’t be excited” about Barkley landing in the NFC East.
That’s a pill Mara and the rest of the organization will have to swallow now that Barkley will play twice a year for the next three seasons after signing a contract worth up to $46.76 million.
Saquon Barkley’s 5-year-old daughter learns her father is joining the Eagles and cheerfully beats the Giants
When news broke that Barkley had ultimately chosen the Eagles, it was reported that the Giants did not offer him a contract, this time as a free agent. Barkley effectively acknowledged that by retweeting an X report that said the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans were the ones who made offers along with the Eagles.
Last offseason, Schoen teamed up with Barkley to extend quarterback Daniel Jones’ contract for the next four seasons, but Jones’ future with the team is uncertain heading into the 2024 season. .
Prior to the franchise deal, the Giants reportedly sent Barkley his way an offer worth $13 million annually and $26 million over the first two years, according to ProFootballTalk. Barkley reportedly wanted $16 million last offseason.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley speaks at a press conference after signing with the team. (Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports)
Barkley’s contract with the Eagles averages $12,583,000 per year, but Barkley has $26 million guaranteed. “We’ve secured more (guaranteed money) than we’ve ever been given,” Barkley said in a social media exchange with Tiki Barber after agreeing to his contract.
Barkley apologized after his contract with the Eagles was made official at the beginning of the new league year, acknowledging that he did not properly handle his farewell to the Giants organization and its fans.
“The last three days have been a whirlwind of emotions, but I wanted to thank all the Giants fans who have supported me and my family over the past six years,” Barkley said in a statement on X.i was drafted here [to] Do that. I am forever grateful to Mara and Tish’s family and the wonderful people who work in the Giants organization. New York and New Jersey fans will forever remain in my heart. At the end of the day, the NFL is a business and I hope everyone respects my decision. ”
Saquon Barkley hits back at Tiki Barber after ‘dead to me’ comment after signing with Eagles: ‘You were a hater’
Mara was a fan of former GM Dave Gettleman, who selected Barkley with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He totaled 2,028 yards (1,307 rushing, 721 receiving) with 15 total touchdowns, breaking the franchise’s rookie record for scrimmage yards.
Barkley gained 5,211 total yards on the ground and 2,100 through the air, scoring 47 total touchdowns and was nominated to the Pro Bowl twice for his efforts. He might have been better had he not suffered a major knee injury in Week 2 of the 2020 season against the Bears that prematurely ended his season.
Barkley later came back healthy from that injury, but the Giants were unable to find common ground with their star player. Now he has moved on, and for Mara, the Eagles are the team he never wanted to see play for. So are Giants fans.
New York Giants owner John Mara admitted that he sent a text message to Saquon Barkley telling him that he “felt bad” for choosing the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency. (Getty Images)
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Shane quickly found a replacement for Barkley in free agency, as fellow teammate Devin Singletary signed a three-year contract worth $16.5 million.
