Saquon Barkley’s agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles has been one of the biggest moves of NFL free agency so far. Barkley’s addition to the Eagles could make a talented offense that underperformed last season a scary unit in 2024.
The Eagles’ new-look offense has the NFL world buzzing, with franchise legend and recently retired Jason Kelce even wishing he was still playing.
Jason Kelce Jokes About Retirement Following Saquon Barkley Signing
Kelce spent 13 years with the Eagles, but on March 4, following the 2023 season, he officially announced his retirement at 36 years old. He had contemplated retirement for a few years, including mulling over the decision last year in a documentary, but kept playing because he didn’t slow down one bit.
While he’s retired from football, Jason is still co-hosting his popular podcast New Heights alongside his brother and Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce. “How ’bout this? Huge, huge signing for Philadelphia,” said Kelce. “And I’m happy for Saquon.”
“I’m not trying to talk trash, you’re coming to a team that has had a legitimate offensive line established for a very long time,” said Kelce. “Coming to a coach who’s been there for a long time, and they’ve had proven success with nearly every running back, so you know Saquon is entering a good situation in Philadelphia.”
The Eagles signed Saquon and everybody started asking Jason the same question … 👀
NEW EPISODE PREMIERES NOW: https://t.co/wvZryz5HBB pic.twitter.com/a2BxpocY7p
— New Heights (@newheightshow) March 13, 2024
Barkley spent the first six years of his career with the New York Giants after being taken No. 2 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. He’s a two-time Pro Bowler and won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2018. Barkley has rushed for 5,211 yards and 35 touchdowns, as well as caught 288 passes for 2,100 yards and 12 more touchdowns.
“Social media has been nonstop saying Jason, you sure you want to retire?,” said Kelce. “Yeah, I’m like yeah, I’m pretty positive even though a little bit upset Howie [Roseman] waited ’til I retired to make a move like this. But you know, it’s fine, it’ll work out great.”
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The Eagles fell short of expectations in 2023, having a late-season collapse that ended in a Wild Card round playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, despite Kelce’s retirement, the team has lots of talent once again.
“I could not be more bullish. I talked about it last week, this is what I’m regretting,” said Kelce. “I knew when I retired that I was going to miss just an outstanding season for the Philadelphia Eagles, and it sucks, it really does. I wanna be a part of this so bad, I wish I could.”