Saquon Barkley Hopes Daniel Jones Finds Success After Giants Exit
It’s been a whirlwind week for the New York Giants, and Friday brought yet another twist in the saga. Former Giants running back Saquon Barkley, now thriving with the Philadelphia Eagles, shared his thoughts on the recent departure of quarterback Daniel Jones. Barkley, who knows a thing or two about leaving the Giants and finding success elsewhere, expressed hope that Jones can follow a similar path to his own.
Jones, who was benched earlier this week in favor of Tommy DeVito, officially requested his release from the Giants on Friday morning. The team agreed, calling the decision “best for him and for the team.” It’s a move that has left fans and analysts alike buzzing, as the former sixth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft now faces an uncertain future.
Barkley’s Journey from Big Blue to the Eagles
Barkley’s own departure from the Giants came during the offseason, when he signed a three-year, $37.75 million contract with the rival Philadelphia Eagles. And what a move it’s been. Barkley has been nothing short of spectacular for the Eagles, leading the NFC in rushing yards with 1,137. His contributions have helped propel Philadelphia to an 8-2 record and first place in the NFC East. Meanwhile, the Giants are languishing at the bottom of the division with a dismal 2-8 record.
Reflecting on Jones’ situation, Barkley said, “I’ve been in contact with him. Our friendship has stayed close throughout the whole process of me being here. It sucks to see how everything went down for him over there. I’ve got nothing but great things to say about him. You’re not going to really find anybody that can say negative things about him.”
Barkley added, “It’s the NFL. Hopefully, wherever he ends up next, they’re going to get a guy who [will] come in and work. It didn’t work for me over there, and I’m doing well over here. Hopefully, he can find the same fresh start and success.”
What’s Next for Daniel Jones?
Jones’ release marks the end of a tumultuous chapter in New York. Drafted sixth overall in 2019, he was once seen as the heir apparent to Eli Manning. But inconsistency, injuries, and a lack of team success ultimately led to his downfall. Now, the question is: where does he go from here?
One team that won’t be in the mix is the Dallas Cowboys. Despite losing starting quarterback Dak Prescott to a season-ending hamstring injury earlier this month, Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones made it clear that the team is sticking with Cooper Rush and Trey Lance for now. Speaking on “The Blitz with Jason & Joe,” Jones said the Cowboys are “happy” with their current quarterback situation.
As for Jones, he will go through waivers, though it’s unlikely any team will claim him due to the financial implications. The remainder of his four-year, $160 million contract, signed in March 2023, would cost a claiming team close to $12 million for the rest of the season. Most expect Jones to clear waivers and then sign with a new team as a free agent.
The Giants’ Fall from Grace
The departures of Barkley and Jones highlight a troubling trend for the Giants. Both players were high draft picks—Barkley went second overall in 2018, and Jones followed a year later at sixth. Yet neither remains with the team, and the Giants are now left to pick up the pieces of what has been a disastrous season.
For fans, it’s a bitter pill to swallow. The Giants were once a proud franchise with four Super Bowl titles to their name. Now, they’re staring down the barrel of yet another rebuild. The hope is that players like Tommy DeVito can provide a spark, but it’s clear the team has a long way to go.
Key Takeaways
- Saquon Barkley, now with the Eagles, hopes Daniel Jones can find success after leaving the Giants.
- Jones requested and was granted his release from the Giants on Friday.
- The Cowboys have ruled themselves out as a potential landing spot for Jones.
- Jones is expected to clear waivers due to the financial burden of his contract.
- The Giants, at 2-8, are in the midst of a challenging season and a potential rebuild.
As the NFL season rolls on, all eyes will be on Daniel Jones to see where he lands and whether he can turn his career around. If Saquon Barkley’s story is any indication, a fresh start might be just what the doctor ordered.
Originally Written by: Jordan Raanan
