The offseason edition of Hard Knocks has been incredibly compelling for viewers, as we’re getting a peak behind the curtain of what the offseason process looks like with the New York Giants.
One clip of the show that is going viral is the phone conversation between Giants general manager Joe Schoen and former Giants running back Saquon Barkley as they try to get a new contract done before free agency. Schoen reveals to Barkley that the Giants are going to let him hit the free agent market rather than pay him a big contract. Schoen then asks if he can have Barkley’s word that he will circle back to the Giants and give them a chance to match any offers, to which Barkley replies by saying he already told Schoen where he wants to be.
The whole exchange is very awkward and somewhat uncomfortable to watch, and legendary Philadelphia sports radio host Howard Eskin sounded off on how unethical the whole thing was.
“This conversation between Saquon Barkley and Giants GM Joe Schoen I assume Saquon thought was private,” Eskin said via X. “[The] fact that [the] Giants allowed “Hard Knocks” [to] put it out there publicly is a disgrace. What an asinine conversation by Schoen as well. Why would Barkely want to play for that?”
This conversation between Saquon Barkley and #NYGiants GM Joe Schoen I assume Saquon thought was private. Fact that Giants allowed “Hard Knocks” put it out there publicly is a disgrace. What an asinine conversation by Schoen as well. Why would Barkley want to play for that… pic.twitter.com/pVRtRFJS6Y
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) July 10, 2024
Barkley signed with the Eagles at the beginning of free agency in mid-March. His first game back in New York will take place in Week 7.
