Eagles' Saquon Barkley: Giants Fans 'Will Forever Hold a Place in My Heart'

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley expressed his gratitude to the New York Giants organization as well as their fans in a social media post Thursday.

"The fans in New York and New Jersey will forever hold a place in my heart," Barkley wrote. "Ultimately, the NFL is a business, and I hope that everyone can respect my decision."

The 27-year-old spent the first six seasons of his career with the Giants before joining the Eagles on a three-year deal worth $37.75 million in free agency.

New York had the chance to use its franchise tag on the No. 2 pick in the 2018 draft, although the front office chose not to and allowed Barkley to hit free agency instead. He previously played on a one-year adjusted franchise tag worth just over $10 million during the 2023 season (per Spotrac).

While Barkley didn't take any direct parting shots at New York's supporters, he brought up fans potentially turning on him when he was involved in a small feud with three-time Pro Bowl running back Tiki Barber.

"You're dead to us, Saquon," Barber said on WFAN Sports Radio shortly after Barkley left to join the Eagles. "Good luck, you're dead to me."

The new Eagle responded in a series of posts on X, stating "if fans are gonna hate me for that so be it!"

Barkley later told reporters that he has "nothing but love and respect" for Giants fans, saying, "I don't think I really handled it the right way on social media."

He'll now attempt to help the Eagles advance further in the playoffs after their 2023 season ended with a surprising loss in the wild-card round. Barkley is coming off an impressive year with the Giants, recording 962 rushing yards and 280 receiving yards in 14 starts while finding the end zone 10 times.