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Joe Schoen, the general manager of the New York Giants, made the tough decision not to retain running back Saquon Barkley, despite team owner John Mara’s request to keep him. Barkley, widely regarded as the Giants’ most popular player, has been a fan favorite since he was drafted.
Schoen’s decision signals a new direction for the team, prioritizing long-term strategy over immediate fan sentiment. Stay tuned as we delve into the details of this significant move and its implications for the Giants’ future in this article.
Joe Schoen Decides Not to Retain Saquon Barkley Despite Giants Owner John Mara’s Request
In a stunning turn of events, Saquon Barkley departed for the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency, much to the dismay of New York Giants owner John Mara. Despite Mara’s strong desire to retain the star running back, General Manager Joe Schoen opted to let him go to a rival club.
Mara, known for his passionate attachment to key players, especially Barkley, reportedly expressed his disappointment to Schoen. Barkley, hailed as the Giants’ “most popular player,” held a special place in Mara’s heart, making his departure particularly hard to swallow.
The negotiations unfolded dramatically. The Giants’ final offer for Barkley stood at $12.5 million annually with $25 million guaranteed, a figure incrementally topped by a counteroffer from Barkley’s camp. However, Schoen, unswayed by the higher guarantee, stood firm, signaling the Giants’ exit from the bidding war.
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Amidst the unfolding drama, Schoen disclosed to Mara that competitive pressures from teams like Chicago were driving up Barkley’s price, leaving the Giants vulnerable to losing their prized asset to division rivals like Philadelphia.
For Mara, the loss of Barkley was more than a business decision; it was a personal blow, potentially haunting him as he contemplated a future without the Giants’ dynamic playmaker.
Season Outlook and Key Games Ahead
The Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up for a pivotal phase as they prepare to return to the NovaCare Complex following six OTA sessions leading up to their mandatory minicamp. After a disappointing end to the previous season, the team is focused on regaining their championship form in the competitive NFC East.
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Their season kicks off with a historic matchup against the Green Bay Packers on September 6 in Brazil, marking their first game ever played in the South American country. The Eagles then return home to face the Atlanta Falcons before a Week 3 clash against the New Orleans Saints.
Adding to their roster strength, the Eagles recently signed a notable player who was drafted second overall by the Giants in the 2018 NFL Draft. This dynamic player earned the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award and made significant collegiate achievements before making his mark in the league. At 27 years old, he signed a three-year deal worth $37.75 million with the Eagles, setting the stage for an impactful tenure with the franchise.