Saquon Barkley: Eagles were ‘no-brainer’ despite other interest
Saquon Barkley just lately appeared on the New Heights podcast with now-retired Eagles heart Jason Kelce and his brother Travis. He spoke about his free-agent interval, which finally led to a Philadelphia settlement together with $26M fully guaranteed.
Barkley confirmed, via Matt Ehalt of the New York Post, the Texans had been the primary workforce he was drawn to with the brand new league 12 months approaching. That matches a report from the identical time, and Barkley famous he and reigning Offensive Rookie of the 12 months C.J. Stroud communicated a few potential partnership. After curiosity from the Eagles picked up, although, the two-time Professional Bowler’s consideration started to shift.
“Because it received nearer, and also you begin listening to phrase and Philly, I most likely by no means imagined myself enjoying for Philly six years in the past, however I get to come back again to Pennsylvania,” Barkley stated. “My household is from Pennsylvania, my girl, our children, grandmas all that’s from Pennsylvania and we’re already shut and we are able to even get to get nearer and get an opportunity to compete. I received to admire [the Eagles] from afar, admire what he was capable of construct over there and get to be a part of that tradition. It was a no brainer for me.”
Philadelphia had curiosity in retaining 2023 starter D’Andre Swift, however his market turned extra profitable than anticipated. That led the Eagles to prioritize Barkley, and the perimeters had been capable of conform to a three-year, $37.75MM pact on the second day of the negotiating window. The NFL has launched a tampering investigation into the matter, however no developments on that entrance have emerged.
Barkley additionally famous that 4 groups (the Giants not being amongst them) made a proper supply. The Texans – a workforce that finally traded for Joe Mixon to take the place of Devin Singletary – had been a “severe suitor,” as Ehaly notes. Ultimately, although, Barkley most popular to return to the state of his embellished school profession amidst stable curiosity from a shortlist of suitors.
“I had a great little bit of groups that actually was like all about me coming there and with the value level being up there,” the Penn State alum added. “I needed to get what I deserved that I believed was truthful for me to deal with me and my household. That’s the purpose you wish to get to, that second contract. “Once I had my affords in place, I used to be like, ‘Alright, what most closely fits me? The place can I am going and have the perfect alternative to win?’… Whenever you put all of the items collectively, it made sense to be in Philly.”