Saquon Barkley feels 'like a rookie again' at Eagles OTAs

What did Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley think of his new surroundings during the first OTA action with a former division rival?

“Biggest thing that struck me is my first 7-on-7 huddle you see A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert and Jalen Hurts. It’s not a bad group to be out there with,” Barkley said on Wednesday, via the team’s official website. “That’s not even including the offensive linemen.

“We’re all just coming in, buying in, trying to learn the playbook, learning the system, trying to get better each day. You know there is a lot of talent, a lot of talent before I got here. I feel I can only add to that. At the same time, you can’t look too far. That’s the beauty of it. That’s the beauty of coming in every single day, working with each other, pushing each other.”

Barkley added that jumping from New York to Philly has him feeling “like a rookie again.” The Eagles will undoubtedly take a 1,307-yard, 11-touchdown season from Barkley — his rookie numbers with the Giants.

In six seasons with New York, Barkley rode the rollercoaster, from earning Offensive Rookie of the Year to suffering a devastating knee injury in 2020 that took two years to get over. Then, he finally came back rejuvenated in 2022, rushing for a career-high 1,312 yards and 10 TDs, earning his second Pro Bowl. Last offseason, the acrimonious franchise tag situation played out, with Barkley never getting the long-term deal he sought.

He found that payday in Philly this offseason, inking a three-year, $37.75 million contract.

“I’m excited to be here with this team,” Barkley said. “I feel like we can do something special. That’s a ways, ways away, so just continue to come in one day at a time and try to get better.”

With Barkley adding explosiveness from the backfield, the Eagles have top-shelf weapons that should get them back on track after last season’s meltdown.