Giants owner John Mara would still want Saquon Barkley back in a ‘perfect world’

Upon receiving a lucrative contract offered by the Eagles, Saquon Barkley enlisted himself among the highest-paid the running backs in the league. 

Giants owner John Mara would still want Saquon Barkley back in a ‘perfect world’

John Mara and Saquon Barkley (Via Bleacher Report/Imago)

Saquon Barkley‘s move to the Philadelphia Eagles was a major event in the offseason, especially after his strained relationship with the New York Giants over his contract. Despite this, it seems the Giants were still hoping to retain one of the best players in their franchise history.

A recent behind-the-scenes clip shared by HBO’s Hard Knocks revealed how franchise owner John Mara was clinging onto to the hope to keep the star running back in the team. In the video, the Giants General Manager Joe Schoen and Mara were seen discussing Barkley’s future in NY.

While Schoen was giving reasons why they can neither franchise-tag nor offer a deserving extension to their star receiver, Mara made it clear that he is not ready to lose the two-time Pro Bowler just yet.

FS Video
I mean, in a perfect world, I’d still like to have him back. Until we can prove that we have a decent offense without him.
John Mara said

Despite the Giants CEO wanting to keep Barkley, they had to let him go after not finding any way to sort his contract situation. The deal which they could afford was way below the market price so when the Eagles offered Barkley a lucrative number, he agreed and enlisted himself among the highest-paid the running backs in the league.

Daniel Jones held responsible for Saquon Barkley’s departure

The departure of Shaquon Barkley from the Giants was largely blamed on quarterback Daniel Jones– who had signed a lucrative $160 million deal for four years. Many believed that because the Giants paid Jones such a mammoth amount, they didn’t have much left to offer the star running back.

Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones (via IMAGO)

The reason Barkley’s contract extension was considered a priority over Jones’s was because of Jones’s disastrous season. He posted only 909 yards and two touchdowns, leading many to question why the Giants chose to sign him for a whopping $160 million.

While handling Jones’ contract situation—after he took over the legacy of Eli Manning—GM Schoen refused to give him up over anyone else. Schoen believed Jones had the potential to carry the offense if it becomes compromised.

In case you missed: