“What a joke letting that guy go”: Commanders RB Austin Ekeler thrashed the Giants for their baffling decision of letting Saquon Barkley go

New York Giants fans finally saw an end to the 3-14 season, but losing running back Saquon Barkley to the Philadelphia Eagles is the added insult to injury. Barkley's 60-yard run on Philadelphia's first play from scrimmage set the tone for the rout, ensuring New York would have two more weeks of discourse, none of which has been kind to the Giants, as they dismantled the Washington Commanders 55-23.Piling on was Commanders running back Austin Ekeler, who called out general manager Joe Schoen for his brutal Barkley decision.The New York Giants' decision to let Saquon Barkley walk in free agency last offseason, despite his position, has left the team haunted. Barkley later signed with the Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year, $37.75 million deal, proving the Giants' mistake. Barkley's experience with the Eagles highlights the importance of re-signing players.Barkley's first season as an Eagle was his best yet, as he became the ninth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season. He helped the Eagles reach the Super Bowl for the second time in three years. This postseason, he rushed for 442 yards and scored five touchdowns.Barkley's games for the Eagles had incurred weekly criticism of the Giants. Commanders running back Austin Ekeler lost to Barkley and the Eagles in the NFC championship game. He labeled the Giants' decision as "a joke.” "It's really cool to see, especially the guys that were getting shuffled around, and 'oh I don't know if these guys can still play or if they'll make an impact.’ Like the Giants, what a joke letting that guy go.” Ekeler joked, "Prime Saquon, 'I don't know who's gonna pay this guy $12 million dollars.' Well, he's gonna carry your offense. So, everybody. Don't get me started there.”Barkley, the key player for the Eagles, has been a stand-out player on the field with the best performance in every game he has played, though not a key part of New York's offense in recent seasons. Barkley's season has caused more controversy for the Giants than the Tennessee Titans' departure of Derrick Henry or the Las Vegas Raiders' departure of Josh Jacobs, both of whom achieved success with their former teams.Also Read: “Still the GOAT”: J.J. Watt weighs in on the ongoing debate over who among Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady holds the GOAT titleGiants fans anticipate Barkley's Super Bowl performance against Kansas City Chiefs to end his reign of terror, allowing a new offseason to establish storylines and reshape New York's perception.