Would the Philadelphia Eagles seriously consider trading Saquon Barkley if their season continues to head in the wrong direction? A new rumor claims that some around the league are speculating on the possibility, and the New York Giants should be praying for it.
The Eagles seem snake-bit this season. Despite bringing in Sean Mannion to reinvent their offense, the unit has underwhelmed and is near the bottom of the NFL in points per game (18.4). Their defense has also been underwhelming as they are giving up the 8th most yards a week (356.8). Now they have been inundated with major injuries and departures.
Legendary lineman Lane Johnson shockingly retired after Week 4 due to personal matters. Their WR1, DeVonta Smith, has missed time recently due to injury. The Eagles superstar running back will miss a second game this week. And now, QB 1 Jalen Hurts is out indefinitely with a blood clot in his calf. It could lead to the season getting away from Philly quickly, with some interesting matchups in the weeks ahead.
The Eagles season possibly going downhill fast was a topic of conversation between The Athletic’s Jonathan Jones and some NFL executives this week. On Saturday, the NFL insider claimed that some rival executives have “already floated whether the Eagles would/could/should part with running back Saquon Barkley.”
Why the New York should pursue a Saquon Barkley reunion
You can ask any Giants fan, and they will admit the team letting Barkley walk in free agency, and to a division rival, two years ago was a heartbreaking moment in their fandom. During some tough seasons from 2018 to 2023, he was often the only thing that made them worth watching and worthy of respect from opponents.
Interestingly enough, while the front office didn’t feel he was worth his $36 million contract two years ago, that opinion may be very different now. The main reason is new head coach John Harbaugh. While current general manager Joe Schoen let him leave, the coach has serious power in the organization and prefers an offense built around a strong running game.
Harbaugh doesn’t have that right now. However, he would if he could make a trade for one of the game’s best backs. Harbaugh has the power to push for a trade if Barkley were made available, and he will likely give up a lot to have him back in New York. Furthermore, Giants fans would probably be willing to do the same to right that wrong from 2024.
What would a Barkley trade reunion cost the NY Giants?
Let’s make this clear. The Giants and Eagles making a trade — especially for a top star– isn’t very likely. However, general manager Howie Roseman is one of the game’s best and wouldn’t let his pride get in the way if New York makes an offer he must seriously consider.
So what would it take for the Eagles to move a top star and have to deal with him for a couple more seasons inside the division again? Would an offer of Kayvon Thibodeaux, Cam Skattebo, a first-rounder in 2027, and a third-rounder in 2030 intrigue Roseman? Maybe. Another option would be a deal swapping out Thibodeaux for Abdul Carter and making the picks a first-rounder in 2027, a third-rounder in 2028, and Skattebo.
Either way, if Barkley were available before next month’s trade deadline, the Giants should and probably will inquire about the price.
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