Saquon Barkley joining NFC East rival makes perfect sense

The two-time Pro Bowler was born in the Bronx but moved to eastern Pennsylvania during his childhood. Barkley then attended Penn State for three seasons from 2015-17, winning two Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year awards.

The Giants selected him with the second overall pick in 2018 and he immediately became one of the best ball carriers in the league.

Barkley earned his first Pro Bowl honor and won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award as well after recording 261 rushing attempts for 1,307 yards and a career-high 11 touchdowns.

Barkley added career bests in targets (121), receptions (91), receiving yards (721) and yards from scrimmage (league-leading 2,028) while adding four scores through the air.

Injuries began to limit him in 2019, as he's missed 24 games in the last five seasons. Barkley hasn't played a full season since his rookie campaign, missing three contests in 2019, 14 in 2020, four in 2021, one in 2022 and three last season.

Despite the issues in staying on the field, the former Nittany Lion has still added two more seasons of 1,000-plus rushing yards since 2018. 

Barkley had career highs in rushing attempts (295) and rushing yards (1,312) in 2022 before recording 247 attempts, 962 yards and six rushing scores behind a brutal Giants offensive line last year.

Though future Hall of Fame center Jason Kelce has retired, the Eagles are still expected to have a solid line in 2024.

In terms of competing for a Super Bowl, New York has looked nowhere near ready for that, with just one playoff appearance and one postseason victory during Barkley's career. 

Philadelphia, meanwhile, has been a consistent contender with six playoff berths, two Super Bowl appearances and one championship in the last seven years.