Saquon Barkley could have been paired with C.J. Stroud instead of Jalen Hurts.
And Giants fans likely would have been much happier with their former running back.
Barkley revealed on the “New Heights” podcast with former Eagles center Jason Kelce and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce that the Texans initially piqued his interest during the legal tampering period.
“Probably the team that had my first interest was Houston. I got to communicate with C.J. and a couple of those boys, but this was before when you could actually put offers on the table and talk to teams,” Barkley said on the March 27 episode.
“Then, as it got closer, and you start hearing word and Philly, I probably never imagined myself playing for Philly six years ago, but I get to come back to Pennsylvania, my family is from Pennsylvania, my lady, our kids, grandmas all that is from Pennsylvania and we’re already close and we can even get to get closer and get a chance to compete.
“I got to admire them from afar, admire what he was able to build over there and get to be part of that culture. It was a no-brainer for me.”
Barkley said that four teams made him offers — the Giants were not one of them — and labeled them as “a couple good offers,” and it’s not surprising that the Texans emerged as a serious suitor.
Houston, with the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year in Stroud, is now an attractive destination and viewed as a team on the rise.
And the tax benefits in Texas don’t hurt either.
The Texans generated enough whispers they emerged as the betting favorites to sign Barkley at some point.
The Eagles had been rumored threats, with some conflicting reports about how hard they would push for Barkley, but Philadelphia offered him a three-year, $37.75 million deal.
The Texans ultimately traded for Joe Mixon and signed him to a three-year extension after Devin Singletary left the Giants.
“I had a good bit of teams that really was like all about me coming there and with the price point being up there,” Barkley said. “I’m happy with what I was able to get and shout out to my agent and my team that worked their ass off for me. .. I wanted to get what I deserved that I thought was fair for me to take care of me and my family. That’s the goal you want to get to, that second contract.”
He added: “When I had my offers in place, I was like, ‘Alright, what best fits me? Where can I go and have the best opportunity to win?’ in my opinion. When you put all the pieces together, it made sense to be in Philly.”