Two years ago, Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones led the New York Giants to the franchise’s first playoff victory since winning Super Bowl XLVI. Barkley is currently enjoying a breakout season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Jones will now begin his search for a new team after he and the Giants mutually agreed to part ways on Friday.
When asked Friday about his former teammate, Barkley said he has been in contact with Jones, who asked for his release after the Giants demoted him to No. 3 on the depth chart earlier this week. Barkley said he and Jones have remained close since he signed with Philadelphia last offseason.
“It sucks to see how everything went there,” Barkley said of Jones. “I have nothing but good things to say about him. You really won’t find anyone saying negative things about him.
“Wherever I end up next, they’ll find a guy who will come and work. It didn’t work out for me there, and I’m doing well here. Hopefully I can find the same kind of fresh start and success.”
Things have certainly worked out for Barkley, who signed a multi-year deal with the Eagles after he couldn’t find common ground with the Giants on a long-term deal. Through 10 games, Barkley currently leads the NFL in carries and is second in the league in rushing yards and touchdowns.
Barkley is one of many examples of players who have found success on new teams. Another player, Sam Darnold, had a similar start to his career as Jones had in New York. Like Jones, Darnold was a former first-round pick who began his career with a rebuilding team (in his case, it was the New York Jets). Darnold showed flashes of his potential in New York, but ultimately left the city after things didn’t go as both parties expected. Darnold has had success this year with the Vikings.
While Jones will try to follow in the footsteps of Barkley and Darnold, the Giants will once again begin the process of trying to find their next franchise quarterback.
