JUST IN: Saquon Barkley Confesses to Being Recruited by a Star Quarterback During Free Agency

After the conclusion of the 2023 NFL season for the New York Giants, it seemed inevitable that star running back Saquon Barkley would part ways with the franchise after six years. Despite efforts from the Giants’ management to retain Barkley in NFL free agency, they faced tough competition from the Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles, both vigorously pursuing the two-time Pro Bowler.

After the conclusion of the 2023 NFL season, it seemed likely that star running back Saquon Barkley would part ways with the New York Giants after six years with the team. Despite efforts from the Giants’ management to retain him in NFL free agency, they faced tough competition from the Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles, both aggressively pursuing the two-time Pro Bowler.

In a surprising turn of events, Barkley chose to sign with the division-rival Eagles, bolstering Philadelphia’s offense with his addition to Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown.

Reflecting on his decision, Barkley discussed his free agency choice and revealed that quarterback C.J. Stroud had been recruiting him to the Texans during an appearance on the New Heights podcast, as reported by Chancellor Johnson of KPRC 2 Houston.

Early in free agency, it appeared that Barkley was on the path to teaming up with Stroud in Houston, a move that could have significantly elevated the Texans’ prospects for the upcoming season and beyond.

However, Barkley’s decision to return to his Pennsylvania roots was too enticing to resist. With strong family connections and the potential to elevate the Eagles to championship contention in the NFC, it was a choice that made sense both personally and professionally.