Saquon Barkley spoke with the sports media for the first time since signing his massive multi-year contract extension last week. For those wondering, he doesn’t have a fancy purchase lined up after receiving a two-year, $41.2 million extension from the Eagles. “Probably a golf membership, somewhere,” Barkley said in a press conference on Monday.
The 28-year-old had plenty of time to perfect his golf swing as a running back for the New York Giants between 2018 and 2023. Barkley’s Giants played two postseason games over six seasons in New York, both in 2022. He has already doubled that total with four postseason games in one season as a Super Bowl-winning running back for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Saquon Felt the Love from Eagles Management
The six-foot offensive star wasn’t expecting a new contract this offseason. “You never know, especially in this business,” Barkley said. “When it came to my attention, I definitely wasn’t upset about it at all. To continue to build on what we were able to do last year is a big goal of mine.”
Barkley stated the contract extension came together effortlessly. “The love I have for this organization, and I want to be here for a really long time,” Barkley said. “The same thing they feel for me… Obviously, it shows. I am just thankful for being part of this organization. From top to bottom, they do it the right way.”
Barkley Strives to Leave a Lasting Legacy
During the 15-plus minutes of Monday’s meeting with the media, Barkley often spoke about continuing the Eagles’ championship-winning direction and growing his legacy in the NFL. “That’s the reason why I wanted to come here (to build a legacy),” Barkley stated. “You can’t do it without your teammates. This organization knows how to continue to bring great people in and have great guys on this team. I am just happy to be a part of this. The things I envision for the future, I think that being here is the best place for it.”
The Eagles running back mentioned NFL Hall-of-Fame running back Marshall Faulk as an inspiration for what Barkley hopes he can accomplish. “I’m a fan of Marshall Faulk,” Barkley said. “When you talk about his legacy, a lot of the stuff that gets brought up is the things he did as a Ram and as a Colt. This extension gives me an opportunity to do that. I want to be, if not the greatest running back of all time, one of the greatest running backs of all time. I hope I’m able to do that in an Eagles uniform.”
A Month From Super Bowl LIX Win
The media had its first chance to chat with the Eagles running back following the wild South Philadelphia party scene that was the Super Bowl LIX Championship Parade. Naturally, Barkley received a few questions asking about the NFL Title, but he hasn’t really taken the time to think about what the Eagles accomplished last season. “I tell my family all the time I have to pick a day to embrace everything that happened this year,” Barkley admitted. “I don’t know when that will be. I feel that’s something when the cleats are hung up.”
Saquon Barkley did take some time to smile about the Eagles Super Bowl LIX win during the presser. “It’s been great. The parade was cool. Winning a Super Bowl on your birthday was cool. There (are) moments (when)… it comes back to you that you are a Super Bowl Champion. You kind of lose focus on that already because you start thinking about how you are going to be able to do it again.”
When asked if he had any specific memories from the win in New Orleans, Barkley responded, “Coop’s (Cooper DeJean) pick for sure.” he said, “Smitty’s (DeVonta Smith) “Dagger” …I think they are calling it on social media. Yeah, that play was pretty dope.”
Saquon Working Miracles for the RBs Market
With the record-setting payday, Saquon Barkley will receive an average of $20.6 million per season in Philadelphia. That figure makes Barkley the highest-paid running back in NFL history and the first running back to make $20+ million per season. He hopes it sets precedence for the running back market. “I hope it does what it’s supposed to do,” Barkley said. “ (For) every other position, the value increases each year. So for the Bijan’s, the Gibbs… and all those guys are able to get paid. I hope they beat it.”
wThe Eagles’ running back referenced two elite young NFC running backs on Monday – Atlanta’s Bijan Robinson and Detroit’s Jahmyr Gibbs. Robinson ranked 3rd in the NFL with 1,456 rushing yards last season, while Gibbs was close behind in fifth place with 1,412 yards.
There was one star back from the AFC Conference looking forward to chatting with Saquon following the announcement of his extension. “A couple of guys reached out. (James) Cook was probably the most excited one. He’s got his stuff coming up. I’m a big fan of the game itself and the position I play. It means a lot.” According to reports, Cook seeks upwards of $15 million per season from the Buffalo Bills on his next deal after a 1,009-yard season last year. Saquon’s $20 million per season contract helps set the RB market’s top end this offseason and beyond.
