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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Saquon Barkley running into history against former team

By Colin Cerniglia | Last updated Dec 30, 2024 1:31 PM ET

Saquon Barkley burst through the line Sunday, slashing his way to NFL history. The Philadelphia Eagles running back didn't just join the exclusive 2,000-yard club — he steamrolled his way to 2,005 yards, becoming just the ninth player to achieve the milestone and positioning himself to chase Eric Dickerson's all-time mark of 2,105.

The poetry of this moment isn't lost on his teammates.

"It's a testament to him, coming to another team, first year, a lot of expectations," Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson said, per ESPN's Tim McManus. "He's truly a super-talented football player, a great teammate."

That journey from discarded Giant to Eagles legend began after what should have been his crowning achievement in New York.

Following a devastating ACL and MCL tear in 2020, Barkley had battled back to post 1,312 rushing yards in 2022, his third 1,000-yard season with the Giants. He powered their first playoff run since 2016, punching in two touchdowns during their wild-card victory over Minnesota.

But NFL front offices can have short memories and different priorities.

Despite being the Giants' top signing priority before their playoff run, according to Joel Corry of CBS Sports, the organization pivoted to quarterback Daniel Jones. The subsequent contract negotiations turned from hopeful to hostile.

"I was a little fed up, to be honest," Barkley revealed to Dianna Russini on The Athletic's Scoop City podcast. "It felt like the only way the Giants wanted me (was) if I was able to go show my worth to someone."

When Giants general manager Joe Schoen suggested Barkley test the market after a disappointing 2023 season, the running back's patience evaporated.

"I kind of felt like it was a little disrespectful, to be honest. Because it's kind of like a slap in the face," Barkley said. "It was over after that phone call."

On March 11, Barkley answered that disrespect by agreeing to sign with the Giants' biggest nemesis — a Philadelphia Eagles team that had dominated the rivalry with 15 wins in their last 19 meetings (including the playoffs).

Behind the NFL's top-ranked offensive line, he's exploded for an NFC-leading 378 touches and 2,283 total yards, dwarfing his previous career highs while helping power the Eagles to a 13-3 record and the NFC East crown.

@nfl history #saquonbarkley #philadelphia #eagles #nfl ♬ original sound - NFL

The contrast with his former team couldn't be more striking. While Barkley weaves through defenses in midnight green, the Giants' 24th-ranked offensive line struggles to create daylight for anyone.

Now comes the perfect revenge opportunity. Barkley needs just 101 yards against his former team to surpass Dickerson's hallowed record.

After the Giants fumbled negotiations and undervalued their best offensive weapon, Barkley parlayed their miscalculation into a career-defining season. As he leads the No. 2-seeded Eagles into the playoffs as legitimate Super Bowl contenders, he's not just racing toward NFL history — he's sprinting past the shortsightedness that led the Giants to bet against him.

Sometimes the smartest business decision is knowing when to walk away, even if it means walking straight to your biggest rival.

Colin Cerniglia

Colin Cerniglia is an Amazon bestselling author, co-host of the "2 Jocks and a Schlub" podcast from Blue Wire, and a contributor to The Charlotte Observer. With a deep passion for baseball and college football, he offers extensive knowledge and enthusiasm to his writing. Colin resides in Charlotte, NC, with his wife and two daughters

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