While there have been worse decisions in NFL history, it’s tough to come up with many examples that overshadow the New York Giants’ choice to part ways with Saquon Barkley.

Barkley has been a significant source of frustration for Giants GM Joe Schoen throughout the year, consistently posting exceptional numbers and nearly challenging the NFL’s single-season rushing record while playing for their NFC East rival, the Philadelphia Eagles. After his recent performance, Giants owner John Mara might want to rethink the support he extended to Schoen following yet another disappointing season.

The Eagles have reached the NFC Championship for the second time in three years and third in eight thanks to Barkley’s outstanding effort. He rushed for 205 yards, marking the fifth-highest total in NFL playoff history and a record for Philadelphia, scoring two touchdowns in their 28-22 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.

Barkley’s second touchdown was the clincher, a spectacular 78-yard run with just over four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter during challenging conditions and restricted mobility for quarterback Jalen Hurts.

“I knew exactly what was about to happen. Just the run we had on, how they had been playing the run and the man you’re handing the ball off to,” Hurts commented.

In addition to his rushing yards, Barkley also caught four passes for 27 yards. This means he was responsible for two-thirds of the Eagles’ total offense of 350 yards.

“Given the conditions or not in the conditions, it doesn’t matter. It’s a luxury to have him, that’s for sure. Love him,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni stated post-game. “Can’t say enough good things about him and the leadership he brings to this football team.

“He’s special.”

It’s nice to see someone recognize his value.

The NFL is a business, and teams often move on from productive players. In many cases, it’s better to let a player go too soon than too late, especially for a high-mileage running back. However, allowing Barkley to leave was questionable from the outset and has only worsened the Giants’ situation over time.

While Barkley saw a drop in production last year, he still garnered nearly 1,000 rushing yards, even with a struggling New York offense surrounding him.

Moreover, the Giants didn’t have superior alternatives. Barkley’s 2,005 rushing yards this season surpassed every player wearing a Giants uniform, and his 13 rushing touchdowns equaled the entire New York team’s total. Given New York’s troubles at quarterback this season, having a reliable running back capable of leading the offense would have been beneficial for the Giants, or so it seems.

Barkley also expressed a desire to remain with the franchise, which, considering the team’s recent struggles, should have held more weight than it did.

Yet for reasons unknown, Schoen was willing to let Barkley leave, nearly ushering him out the door. Mara didn’t step in to prevent this, despite seeming aware that this decision might become a point of regret for the Giants.

“I’ll have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia, I’ll tell you that,” Mara told Schoen during an exchange captured on “Hard Knocks.”

“As I’ve mentioned, just being around enough players, he’s the most popular player we have, by far.”

This sentiment hasn’t changed! Now, Barkley is celebrated in Philadelphia, as the Eagles prepare to host the Washington Commanders, another NFC East opponent, next Sunday for a chance to reach the Super Bowl.

“Thank you guys so much for the love and support,” Barkley remarked as he exited the field. “At the end of the day, it’s got to go through Philly.”

Meanwhile, the Giants seem to be stuck in neutral, retaining both Schoen and coach Brian Daboll even after finishing last in the division with a dismal 3-14 record. They will need to find a quarterback this offseason, along with searching for a running back.

Woof.

Although it’s easy to critique decisions after they happen—thanks to hindsight—Barkley’s situation is far better in Philadelphia than it would have been had he stayed with the Giants.

Nonetheless, Schoen’s choice to release a top-tier talent who also served as a key figure in the franchise’s identity was puzzling then and appears even less sensible now.

Follow News Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.