Joe Schoen’s decision can turn into a nightmare. “Maybe he shouldn’t have traded Saquon Barkley!” This is a thought that New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen probably wishes he had considered, especially after a stern warning from the owner.

Barkley left the team in free agency after the Giants failed to make a deal for their star running back. However, what happened next came out as the worst for the franchise. They were heartbroken to learn that the 27-year-old player has signed with their divisional rival – the Philadelphia Eagles. And that’s where the tension began, especially for GM Joe Schoen, who was recently compared to Eagles’ GM, Howie Roseman.

Could Saquon Barkley’s release be a job-threatening decision?

In the latest episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd on July 17, 2024, NFL Scout John Middlekauff appeared as a guest to discuss Saquon Barkley’s exit, and its repercussions on the Giants. Barkley’s admission in the Eagles camp would make him a game-changer and perhaps, the best running back Philadelphia has seen since LeSean McCoy. Hence, a dark cloud looms over Joe Schoen’s decision to release him. Middlekauff expressed, “They have now a history post-Tom Coughlin of firing a lot of people and I don’t see how the Giants are going to be very good. And if Saquon goes to have success [with the Eagles] the writing is on the wall. I mean all these guys [especially Schoen] are going to lose their jobs.”

In addition to this haunting situation, Middlekauff also highlighted the stark difference between Schoen and the Eagles’ GM. The ex-NFL scout explained Howie Roseman excels in information management, “akin to a stock trader.” He understands market values and player contracts. Hence, he secured Barkley for $26 million guaranteed and a cap hit of only $3.8 million.

This is evident from the fact when we compare the Giants’ Daniel Jones’ contract of $92 million guarantee with a nearly $50 million cap hit. That’s a clear huge difference! After criticizing his calculations for contracts, Middlekauff also blasted Schoen for allowing Barkley to join a divisional rival, knowing the success he could bring. He also pointed out this misstep, Roseman would have never made this call if he had been in Schoen’s place.

Hence, as per Middlekauff, if Barkley thrives in Philadelphia, the repercussions could be severe for Schoen and the Giants. And this statement could be true if we consider the Giants’ owner’s threat.

John Mara’s caution-laced words to Joe Schoen, “I’ll have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia”

Before Saquon Barkley departed from the Giants to join the Eagles in free agency, the team’s owner John Mara expressed strong disagreement about seeing that happen. As shown in the footage from Hard Knocks, filmed during the early stages of free agency, Mara queried Schoen about the status of Barkley’s negotiations. In response, the GM told him that there were rumors of interest from the Bears. Additionally, he indicated uncertainty about the Eagles’ involvement.

To which Mara candidly expressed, “I’ll have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia, I’ll tell you that. As I’ve told you … I’ve been around enough players, but he’s the most popular player we have by far.” And that’s exactly what happened! Despite Schoen’s initial belief that the Eagles were not pursuing Barkley seriously, the reality unfolded differently.

The athlete eventually signed a lucrative three-year, $37.75 million deal with the Birds, surpassing what the Giants were willing to offer. Now this might probably haunt Schoen, as in the episode, he can be heard saying to an agent, “We’re out. … Is it in the division? I’m trying to prepare myself mentally.” Hence, it remains to be seen who is going to be flushed in 2024.