Larry Henry Jr
Saquon Barkley’s arrival in Philadelphia has fans, players, and coaches equally excited for the 2024 NFL season and rightfully so.
Barkley made the move to the Eagles as a free agent signing earlier this summer, agreeing to a three-year, $37.75 million contract. The 27-year-old running back has been one of the premier playmakers in the NFL since his debut in 2018, totaling over 7,300 combined yards and 47 touchdowns in his first six professional seasons.
Despite missing mostly all of the 2020 campaign, as well as portions of a few other seasons, Barkley was high on the New York Giants’ retainment list this year. However, a failure to agree on a new contract, ultimately forced the frustrated Pennsylvania-raised tailback to look elsewhere for a future.
Now with a new opportunity in Philadelphia, alongside several dynamic offensive teammates, Barkley is busy preparing for the new season to begin. He understands that amount of weapons that the Eagles have at their disposal and overall wants to contribute in any way possible to help the team achieve their goals.
“Ultimately I came here to build a new legacy, compete, and win championships,” Barkley told reporters Wednesday at the Eagles’ first training camp practice. “And that’s helping in any way I can. I know there’s going to be games where they put the trust in 26 and want me to take over, and there’ll be games where we let AJ Brown and DeVonta do what they do. I just want to win and that’s what it’s about.”
Barkley has rushed for over 1,000 yards in three of his six NFL seasons and is coming off a 962 haul with the Giants in 2023.
Nick Sirianni’s squad opens their 2024 preseason schedule on August 9 at the Baltimore Ravens before also facing the New England Patriots (away) and Minnesota Vikings (home).
Barkley’s first opportunity to represent the Eagles green in a competitive game will come on Friday, September 6 against the Green Bay Packers in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
You can follow Larry Henry on Twitter (@lhenry019) and e-mail him at [email protected].
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