Saquon Barkley wants to see Daniel Jones get a fresh start

On By Littum

Saquon Barkley is on the hunt for his former Giants teammate Daniel Jones.

Jones was granted his release by the Giants on Friday after being benched as the starting quarterback earlier this week.

Barkley, who signed with the Eagles this offseason and is having a phenomenal year amid the changing environment, was asked about his reaction to Jones’ release when media were available Friday.

Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles shakes hands with Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants after the game at MetLife Stadium on October 20, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Philadelphia defeated New York 28-3. Getty Images

“I don’t want to talk about it too much. I’ve been in touch with him. Our friendship has stayed close throughout the process of being here. It’s a shame to see how everything went down for him over there (with the Giants), ” Barkley told reporters.

“I have nothing but good things to say about him. You’re not going to find anybody that really has a lot of negative things to say about him. But that’s the NFL. Hopefully, wherever he ends up next, they get a guy that will come in and work. (Coming from the Giants), I feel good (with the Eagles). Hopefully he can find the same kind of fresh start and success.”

Jones was in the second season of a four-year, $160 million contract with about $80 million fully guaranteed.

An injury guarantee made the Giants less likely to put him on the field, forcing the team to add Tim Boyle to the practice squad and demote Jones to fourth string.

Giants quarterback Daniel Jones #8, speaks to the media after practice Thursday. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

He spent Tuesday playing safety on the scout team.

With the Giants at 2-8 — tied with the Jaguars and Raiders for the fewest wins in the league — everyone involved ultimately felt it was best for Jones to part ways.

“Daniel came to see me this morning and asked if we wanted to release him,” Giants owner John Mara said in a statement Friday.

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) reacts after his touchdown run against the Washington Commanders. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

“We mutually agreed that it would be best for him and for the team. Daniel has been a great representative of our organization, first class in every way. His handling of this situation yesterday exemplifies just that. We are all disappointed, how things have worked out. We have a lot of respect for Daniel and we wish him nothing but the best in the future.”