Saquon Barkley hasn't even officially been a Philadelphia Eagles player for a whole day. But he's already been inundated with comments on social media about his decision to leave New York, most notably exchanging barbs with former Giants running back Dickie Barber.
Barkley agreed to terms with the Eagles on Monday on a three-year deal worth $46.75 million, including $26 million guaranteed at signing. Athletic reported on Monday.
Barkley was ranked No. 1 in 2018. 2 overall pick by the Giants and became the face of the franchise during his tenure in New York amid the quarterback transition from Eli Manning to Daniel Jones. Barkley is a fan favorite and his departure to division rival Philadelphia already left fans feeling betrayed on social media.
As Barkley's new contract went public, he thanked fans for the love and support he received, followed by another post with two Eagles emojis to represent his new franchise.
Thank you to everyone who has shown me love and support over the past 6 years… forever grateful! Excited for the next chapter 💙✌🏾
— Saquon Barkley (@saquon) March 11, 2024
Barkley's decision and social posts didn't sit well with WFAN host Barber during Monday's “Evan & Dickie” show. Barber's comments Monday came after the host hinted at a potential Barkley-Eagles pairing last week, saying a move to Philadelphia would leave the previous honor undone.
.@TickyBarber Saquon Barkley has been warned after rumors of interest in playing for the Philadelphia Eagles pic.twitter.com/ZJVs7XIJNF
— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) March 7, 2024
“He is dead to us now. You are dead to us, Sagun, Barber said Monday. “Good luck, you're dead to me.”
Barkley didn't let the comments slide. X called Barber on the site, formerly known as Twitter. Barkley wrote, “@TikiBarber you've been a hater since I got to New York … and the 'dead to me' talks never put a smile on my face.”
@TickyBarber You've been a hater since I came to New York…and all the “dead to me” talk didn't put a smile on my face when I saw it.
— Saquon Barkley (@saquon) March 11, 2024
Barber was a second-round pick by the Giants in 1997 and played until 2006 before retiring. The very next season, the Giants won the Super Bowl. Barber issued a rebuttal to Barkley's social media comment.
Dickey's answer to Saquon Barkley
— Evan and Tiki (@EvanandTikiWFAN) March 11, 2024
Two divisional games between the Eagles and Giants are already must-see contests. Monday's news-filled day made it even more so.
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(Photo: Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images
