Giants GM claims Saquon Barkley's replacement can help them win 'playoff games'

The Giants let star running back Saquon Barkley sign with the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency. However, New York general manager Joe Schoen seems confident about his replacement.

During a recent "Hard Knocks Podcast" episode with NFL Media's Peter Schrager, Schoen raved about RB Devin Singletary, who signed a three-year, $16.5M deal with the Giants.

"He was a guy we had on our radar the last four years," the GM said of Singletary. "He's been the leading rusher on whatever team he's been on. The last four years, those teams have won a playoff game. So he's good enough to win with. He's healthy, he's durable, and he's good enough to win playoff games."

Singletary has produced solid numbers through his first five seasons with the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans, rushing for 4,049 yards and 20 touchdowns on 888 carries . Of course, he's not the same caliber as Barkley, a two-time Pro Bowler.

Perhaps Schoen is saying this to appease Giants co-owner John Mara. During the third episode of HBO's "Hard Knocks," Mara made it clear he didn't want to lose Barkley to an NFC East foe.

"I'll have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia, I'll tell you that," Mara said via Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith. "As I've told you, I've been around enough players, but he's the most popular player we have by far."

Per the New York Daily News' Pat Leonard, the show also revealed that Barkley's agent permitted Schoen to match or surpass Philadelphia's offer ( three years, $37.75M ), but he declined.

In 2023, the Giants signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a four-year, $160M deal . A mega contract for Barkley would deplete more cap space.

Still, letting Barkley leave may sour Schoen's relationship with Mara, especially if New York misses the playoffs again next season. Adding Singletary didn't increase the Giants' postseason odds. ESPN Football Power Index gives them a 12.8% chance to make the playoffs.