Saquon Barkley Sends Heartfelt Message to Daniel Jones Following Release from the Giants
Following his unexpected release from the New York Giants, former star running back Saquon Barkley expressed his gratitude and support for his long-time teammate, quarterback Daniel Jones. The announcement of Barkley’s departure, which came as part of a broader restructuring within the Giants’ roster, shocked fans and players alike, as Barkley had been one of the most prominent faces of the franchise in recent years. Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding his release, Barkley used the moment to publicly send a message of encouragement and solidarity to Jones, who himself has been the subject of scrutiny in recent seasons.
In a heartfelt Instagram post and during a short interview, Barkley acknowledged the challenges that Jones had faced as the quarterback of the Giants and made it clear that their bond went beyond just playing together on the field. “I know it’s not always easy,” Barkley said, reflecting on the ups and downs the Giants have experienced in recent years. “But I want you to know, man, you are a leader, and I’ve got nothing but respect for the way you’ve handled everything, especially the adversity.”
Barkley’s words come at a time when Jones has faced heavy criticism, particularly in the wake of inconsistent performances and growing fan frustration. After the Giants made a significant investment in Jones with a four-year, $160 million contract extension, expectations for the quarterback’s performance skyrocketed. However, injuries, a lack of protection from the offensive line, and moments of inconsistency have led to questions about whether Jones is the right person to lead the team going forward.
Still, Barkley—who played with Jones for five seasons and developed a close personal and professional relationship with the quarterback—was quick to defend his former teammate. “People don’t always see what happens behind the scenes. Daniel has been nothing but a great teammate, a great leader. It’s been an honor to play alongside him,” Barkley said.
Barkley, who was drafted by the Giants in 2018 and quickly became one of the league’s most electrifying running backs, spent much of his career in New York fighting through injuries and carrying the team’s offense. His departure marks the end of an era, as Barkley’s future with the Giants was in question after contract negotiations failed to lead to a long-term deal. His release allows him to explore free agency, where he is expected to draw significant interest from teams looking for a top-tier running back.
Barkley’s message to Jones wasn’t just a reminder of their bond on the field; it was also a sign of his respect for Jones as a person. The two players often shared laughs and tough moments in the locker room, and Barkley was quick to credit Jones for maintaining his composure during some of the team’s toughest stretches.
“As a quarterback, Daniel has had to take on a lot of responsibility, more than most people realize. It’s not easy to be in that position,” Barkley added. “But I believe in him, and I know he’s going to keep pushing forward.”
Though Barkley’s departure from the Giants marks a new chapter in his career, his message to Jones serves as a reminder of the strong relationships that form in the NFL, even in times of adversity. As Barkley embarks on the next phase of his professional journey, he leaves behind a legacy of leadership and resilience, along with a deep sense of camaraderie with Jones and the Giants.