Giants says loss of Saquon Barkley in locker room underestimated - ESPN

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The New York Giants are missing Saquon Barkley more than just on the field during this miserable 3-13 season. It's in the locker room where some believe there may be the biggest void.

The Giants let Barkley walk as a free agent this offseason, much to owner John Mara's chagrin. All he did was become the ninth player in NFL history to top 2,000 yards rushing in a season, while doing it for the rival Philadelphia Eagles.

New York, meanwhile, had some leaders calling their effort «soft» by Week 12 and were unconvinced everybody was giving 100%. It left a good chunk of players feeling Barkley's presence in the locker room was underestimated by the Giants' brass.

«Definitely a ton. I think they understood it but maybe just didn't cherish it enough because we had two of them leave — [Barkley and wide receiver Sterling Shepard],» second-year quarterback Tommy DeVito said. «Two guys that were among the most vocal leaders on the offense, guys that have played a ton. Those two guys meant a tremendous amount, but obviously Saquon is my guy. He kind of helped bring me into this whole role and how everything went down. He was kind of my rock through it all. To see him go and how it went down, it was tough. Obviously, it's a business as well.»

Barkley signed a three-year deal worth $37.75 million deal this offseason, when the Giants never made him an official offer. He was given $26 million guaranteed, which was significantly more than New York offered him at any point, league sources told ESPN.

At least the Giants won't have to see Barkley potentially break Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record against them in Sunday's season finale at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles already made the decision to