Running back Saquon Barkley met with the media for the first time since signing a historic two-year contract extension on Monday morning.
Barkley returned to the NovaCare Complex to speak about what it meant to be recognized by the organization for his standout season and his now extended time in Philadelphia.
"I think it was just mutual, the love I have for the organization. I want to be here for a very long time and the same thing that they feel for me, obviously it shows," Barkley said.
"I'm just thankful. Obviously, for the extension, but being part of this organization. From top to bottom, they do it the right way, everybody in this building. So, to be able to be part of this for another four years I think it is and hopefully more – I'm super excited about that."
The 2024 Offensive Player of the Year earned the extension after just one season in Philadelphia. Barkley originally signed with the Eagles on March 13 of 2024 on a three-year deal.
The rest was history (literally).
In his seventh year in the league, the prolific back broke the Eagles' single-season rushing record with 2,005 yards and set the NFL record for most rushing yards including playoffs with 2,504 yards. Barkley added 15 total touchdowns during the 2024 season as well (13 rushing, two receiving).
The Eagles rewarded one of the key contributors to the 2024 Super Bowl run with a big-time payday.
"You never know, especially in this business. When it came to my attention, I definitely wasn't upset about that at all. Definitely fired up, me and my family were fired up," Barkley said when asked if he was surprised about the extension coming after just one season. "Like I said, the extension is obviously great and the money thing is great too. But the people in this building, the organization, to continue to build on what we were able to do last year is a big goal of mine."
The 2024 first-team All-Pro knew the talent he would be joining in Philadelphia with the likes of A.J. Brown, Jalen Hurts, and DeVonta Smith, not to mention running behind the league's top offensive line unit.
Winning has always been the No. 1 priority for Barkley, but he knew joining the Eagles would only help his legacy.
He's found a real home in Philadelphia.
"100 percent," Barkley said when asked if being in Philadelphia long term will help him cement his legacy.
"That's the reason why I wanted to come here. It's cool, signing the extension, having the yards, the record year or whatever happened last year. But you can't do it without everybody else. You can't do it without your teammates. This organization knows how to continue to bring in great people and have great guys on this team, and I'm just happy to be a part of it. The things that I envision in the future, I feel like being here is the best place for it."
Barkley has bought in to the Eagles' culture since day one and he understands that every season may not look like the one he had in 2024.
It's all about the team.
"I'm not quite sure (how teams will defend against him next year), but you have to adapt, and that's something I'm willing to do," he said. "Whatever I can do to help the team win football games every year is different. It might not look the same how it looked this season, but if I'm able to still have an impact and still help the team win football games, that's the only thing that matters. Whether it's running the football, catching, blocking – you just have to be able to adapt each year and that's something I look forward to." – Written by Liam Wichser
