Giants GM Makes Saquon Barkley Admission During NFL Combine

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Feb 25, 2025 4:20 PM ET

During last year's New York Giants offseason, the franchise's internal conversations were put under the microscope during "Hard Knocks: Offseason With the New York Giants."

General manager Joe Schoen and the Giants ultimately decided to move on from running back Saquon Barkley and allowed their former 2018 first-round pick to hit free agency.

Ultimately, the 28-year-old back signed a three-year, $37.75 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, and we all know how their 2024 season went. Barkley would help lead Philly to the franchise's second Super Bowl victory.

At the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday, Schoen was asked how he viewed allowing Barkley to leave and whether he regretted that decision.

"Always going to evaluate all the decisions you make, and we were at a different place in our build." pic.twitter.com/G29kd11O3O
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) February 25, 2025

"Yeah, I'm happy for Saquon. Obviously went on to win the Super Bowl and we wish him nothing but the best. Always going to evaluate all the decisions you make. And we were at a different place in our build."

The Giants opted to sign instead running back Devin Singletary last March, signing him to a three-year, $16.5 million contract. He rushed for 437 yards and four touchdowns on 113 carries. Barkley ran for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns on 345 carries.

Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll will have at least one more year to try to right the ship for the Giants. N.Y. moved on from quarterback Daniel Jones and rotated between Drew Lock, Tommy DeVito and Tim Boyle to close out the 2024 season.

Schoen also discussed the team's desire to find a new signal-caller this offseason, whether through the draft or free agency.

The Giants hold the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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