Former Eagles quarterback and Fox News Digital contributor Donovan McNabb has weighed in on two pivotal moments in NFL history: the Eagles’ decision to fire head coach Andy Reid and the Giants’ release of running back Saquon Barkley. McNabb, who played under Reid for the Eagles from 1999 to 2004, argues that the firing of Reid was the more significant mistake, even as he acknowledges the impact of Barkley’s departure from the Giants.
Barkley, a rising star in the NFL, made his mark with the Eagles after being traded by the Giants in 2020. His performance with the Eagles, including setting the franchise rushing record and leading them to the Super Bowl, has been celebrated as a major achievement. However, McNabb argues that the Giants’ decision to let him leave was not as consequential as the Eagles’ dismissal of Reid, whose career trajectory has since shown remarkable success with the Kansas City Chiefs.
McNabb’s critique of Reid’s firing comes from his own experience as an Eagles player. He recalls the turmoil that followed the decision, including the trade that sent him to the Washington Redskins. While Reid’s reign with the Eagles was marked by strong regular-season performance and playoff runs, the lack of a Super Bowl title has left many, including McNabb, questioning the decision.
Reid, now the head coach of the Chiefs, has since led the team to multiple playoff berths and two Super Bowl appearances, culminating in a Super Bowl victory in 2023. His ability to develop stars, such as quarterback Patrick Mahomes, has further solidified his legacy, making the Eagles’ decision to part ways with him look like a significant misstep for a franchise that had previously thrived under his guidance.
McNabb’s comparison underscores the debate over strategic decisions in sports management. While the Giants’ loss of Barkley is seen as a setback, the Eagles’ firing of Reid has been viewed in hindsight as a costly error. Both cases highlight the high stakes of leadership and decision-making in the NFL, where the consequences of misjudged moves can be felt for years to come.