Justin Pugh Defends Saquon Barkley's Decision to Leave

The New York Giants and Saquon Barkley saga ended when the star running back decided to join their NFC East rival, the Philadelphia Eagles, on the first day of free agency. After being the focal point of the Giants' offense for the last six seasons, Barkley now begins a new chapter of his journey in the National Football League.

Still, his departure from the Giants has left many fans unhappy with his decision. However, Barley's former teammate, offensive lineman Justin Pugh, took to social media to remind people that it's strictly business and nothing personal.

"No @Giants fans can be mad at @saquon," Pugh said on his X (formerly Twitter) account. "He sacrificed it all for the team and organization. The Giants decided they could only pay him a set amount, Philly was willing to pay more. Plain and simple. Business of football."

Barkley signed a three-year, $37.75 million contract that includes a $11,625,000 signing bonus, $26 million guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $12.583 million, a number the Giants were uncomfortable paying the 27-year-old running back with the growing injury history.

The Eagles, who reportedly had an interest in Barkley dating back to last year until the Giants used the franchise tag on him to retain him,

Barkley's signing with the Eagles gives the back a chance to prove his worth to the Eagles and show the Giants that he's still very much worth what he received from Philadelphia. He also goes from being an asset to the Giants to a player they must find a way to defend on game day.