Sirianni Taunts Giants Fans, Declares Eagles Acquired Their 'Best Player' in Saquon Barkley

New York Giants fans are still smarting from the loss of Saquon Barkley to their NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni is gleefully rubbing salt in their wounds by reminding them that his team now boasts their former star running back.

The departure of Saquon Barkley from the New York Giants to the Philadelphia Eagles has left a bitter taste in the mouths of Giants fans. Now, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni is reveling in their misery, taunting them with the fact that his team has acquired their "best player."

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Sirianni was asked about the luxury of having Barkley in his backfield. His response was one that would elicit a chuckle from any Eagles fan and a groan from any Giants supporter.

"Sometimes you see Giants fans around here — being so close," Sirianni said, according to CBS Sports. "And they give me a good, ‘Hey, go Giants.’ I typically let it go, but if the [fan] gets me good enough, I usually say, ‘You know, we got your best player.’"

Sirianni's smirk was evident as he uttered those words, knowing full well that Giants fans despise the thought of their former No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft now suiting up for a hated NFC East foe.

The Eagles enticed Barkley with a lucrative three-year deal worth $12.6 million per season, while the Giants reportedly showed no interest in re-signing him this offseason. Instead, New York swiftly moved to replace Barkley with free agent running back Devin Singletary.

Sirianni's claim that the Eagles have acquired the Giants' best player is not without merit. Barkley ranks fourth in Giants history with 5,211 rushing yards and seventh in total yards with 7,311 in just 74 games.

Despite New York's struggles with Barkley leading the offense — the Giants have gone 34-64-1 since 2018 — he remained a fan favorite. During the 2022 season, which marked the Giants' only playoff appearance with Barkley, the Penn State product had his best year with 1,312 yards rushing, 10 rushing touchdowns, and 57 catches for 338 yards.

However, the Giants' 2023 season spiraled downward, particularly after quarterback Daniel Jones suffered a mid-season ACL tear. Barkley still managed to rush for 962 yards and 280 receiving yards with 10 total touchdowns.

As long as Barkley remains healthy, Sirianni anticipates unleashing his versatility, power, and speed in the Eagles' backfield. Giants fans have long asserted that Barkley's true potential would flourish behind a more formidable offensive line, and the Eagles provide that, even with the retirement of center Jason Kelce.

Barkley's presence alongside Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert bolsters an Eagles offense with Super Bowl aspirations.

Barkley will face his former team twice each season for the next three years if he remains in Philadelphia. The Giants will undoubtedly feel a bittersweet sensation when they line up against the player they once considered their franchise cornerstone.

For Sirianni and the Eagles, however, the acquisition of Barkley is a source of immense satisfaction and a playful opportunity to needle their NFC East rivals.