Giants Lose Barkley to Eagles, Turn Focus Elsewhere
Saquon Barkley is now a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. That was the first of many headlines associated with the Giants on the first day of free agency, and it was not the start Big Blue had hoped for.
But, thanks to a flurry of moves by General Manager Joe Sohen, the Giants saved face by adding to their offensive line, finding a cheaper option at running back, and positioning themselves to be competitive in 2024.
Key Additions:
Devin Singletary, RB: The Giants had to find a replacement for Barkely who takes his talents down I-95 to Philadelphia. They may have found it in the sturdy veteran Singeltary. While he has never run for 1,000 in a single season, Singletary does have a nice burst, and is familiar with Brian Daboll’s offense, having played for him at Buffalo when Daboll was the offensive coordinator. Look for the G-Men to draft a running back in later rounds to complement Singletary.
Brian Burns, LB: What a bold move by the Giants to trade and sign this 25-year-old pass rusher formally of the Carolina Panthers. The Giants sent a second and fifth-round pick back to Carolina. Burns is an impact player. He has 46 sacks in his career, including eight last season. He will complement Kayvon Thibodeau in a big way. The Giants quickly inked Burns to a five-year deal with $76 million guaranteed.
Jon Runyan Jr, OG: The former Packers interior lineman signs with the Giants on a three-year $30 million deal. The offensive line was a huge issue last year, and the Giants got themselves a player they can swing to right guard immediately.
Jermaine Eluemunor, OT: The Giants signed this former Raiders right tackle to protect the front side of Daniel Jones, or whoever is under center for Big Blue.
Key Losses:
Saquon Barkley, RB: Obviously it’s Barkley. He signed a three-year $37.75 million deal with $26 million guaranteed. Giants fans ravaged Barkley on social media for leaving the team for a division rival. The Giants felt they could get similar production from Singletary for less. Barkley battled injuries during his time in New York. When he was healthy, he was a lethal weapon out of the backfield both as a runner and receiver.
Xavier McKinney, CB: The Giants corner leaves for $69 million deal with the Green Bay Packers. That’s gonna hurt losing him. He had nine picks in his career, three coming last season.
