Saquon Barkley reacts to Micah Parsons being named Defensive Rookie of the Year

Dallas Cowboys rookie linebacker Micah Parsons had an incredible first season in the NFL. His performance was enough for him to be named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year. Following Parsons earning the award, New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley took to Twitter to congratulate him.

“@MicahhParsons11 congrats brudda,” Barkley tweeted.

@MicahhParsons11 congrats brudda !!! https://t.co/oNqbbPMwks

— Saquon Barkley (@saquon) February 11, 2022

Barkley and Parsons were never teammates in college, but both played college football at Penn State. Barkley was with the Nittany Lions from 2015 through 2017, while Parsons arrived in 2018 and left after the 2020 season.

Parsons and Barkley had very different 2021 seasons. After being selected 12th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Parsons immediately became one of the best defensive players in the league. He played in 16 games, totaling 84 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 30 quarterback hits, three passes defended, and three forced fumbles. Barkley, on the other hand, again struggled, playing in 13 games. He rushed for 593 yards with two touchdowns, adding 41 receptions for 263 yards and two additional scores.

Parsons also earned an appearance in the Pro Bowl. He showed off his versatility throughout the season, playing both linebacker and edge as the Cowboys battled injuries throughout the season.

Barkley-Parsons could be an intriguing NFC East matchup for years to come

After just one season in the NFL, Parsons has established himself as one of the top players in the league. Barkley did the same when he first entered the league, but injuries have resulted in him falling off of his early career pace. As a rookie, Barkley accounted for over 2,000 total yards and 15 touchdowns. In 2019, he had over 1,400 yards and eight touchdowns. He tore his ACL in 2020, playing in just two games. But after returning in 2021, Barkley struggled to re-find his form from earlier in his career.

If Barkley can return to the level of play that is expected of him, it would create an intriguing matchup every year within the NFC East. When at their highest level, Barkley and Parsons are two of the most exciting football players in the world.

For the Giants, the attention now shifts to bulking up the offensive line. Doing so could help not only Barkley, but quarterback Daniel Jones as well. Barkley still fits into the Giants plans, and new general manager Joe Schoen plans to find ways to help Barkley return to his elite form.

“He was in the locker room yesterday, so I got to have a good conversation with him,” Schoen said. “I’m excited about Saquon. When he came out, he was a rare talent. I know he’s had some injuries, and that comes with that position. We talked a little bit about where we may need to upgrade.

“I think if you upgrade the offensive line, that’s gonna help Daniel [Jones]and it’s gonna help Saquon.”