Saquon Barkley has hit back at Tiki Barber after the Giants legend told the soon-to-be former Giants running back that he’s ‘dead’ to him amid his all but confirmed, free agency signing with the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason.
The 27-year-old, two-time Pro Bowl selectee agreed to a three-year, $37.5million deal with Philly that could eventually be worth $46.75M, according to reports on Monday. He’ll earn $26M in guaranteed money.
But, before he crosses the Delaware River, Barber, who spent his entire 10-year NFL career with the Giants and now has a show on WFAN in New York, said: ‘You’re dead to us, Saquon. Good luck, you’re dead to me.’
Barkley, who’s new $12.5M annual average salary is currently fourth-highest among running backs, fired back: lol yup you’re the prime example of loyalty to a team… I got the deal I wanted, secure more [guaranteed money] which wasn’t given to me before… so if fans are gonna hate me for that so be it!
‘But I never turned my back on my teammates and always had theirs.’
Ex-Giants running back Tiki Barber doesn’t approve Saquon Barkley’s move to rival Eagles
Barkley’s new $12.5M annual average salary is currently fourth-highest among running backs
The 27-year-old, two-time Pro Bowl selectee hit back at Barber in several tweets on X, Monday
Barkley sent another message toward Barber’s way, letting him know that ‘you been a hater since I got to New York… and all the ‘Dead to me’ talk don’t smile in my face when you see me.’
Earlier on Monday, the second overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft confirmed news that he is heading to Philadelphia with two Eagles’ emojis on social media, and then thanked New York fans in a follow-up post.
‘Thank you to everyone who has shown me love and support over the past 6 years,’ said Barkley, ‘forever grateful! Excited for the next chapter.’
Barkley rushed for 962 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games for the Giants this past season
Last week, the Giants declined to put the franchise tag on Barkley, who rushed for 5,211 yards and 35 touchdowns on 1,201 carries in 74 games (all starts) during his six-year spell in New York. He also has 288 receptions for 2,100 yards and 12 TDs.
The former Penn State running back will provide a jolt to the Philadelphia rushing attack that lost D’Andre Swift to the Chicago Bears earlier Monday.
Last season, Barkley rushed for 962 yards and six touchdowns. He has three 1,000-yard campaigns in his six seasons. Barkley also caught 41 passes for 280 yards and four scores.
