Saquon Barkley admits Eagles weren't 'first interest' in free agency

New Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley admitted on the latest edition of the "New Heights" podcast that he considered playing alongside Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud before he ultimately joined the NFC East club.

"Probably the team that had my first interest was Houston," Barkley told retired Eagles center Jason Kelce and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, per Matt Ehalt of the New York Post. "I got to communicate with C.J. and a couple of those boys, but this was before when you could actually put offers on the table and talk to teams." 

Barkley was routinely linked with the Texans throughout the winter after they claimed the AFC South division title and earned a 45-14 wild-card playoff win over the Cleveland Browns. It was thought Houston could match Barkley's asking price largely because playmakers such as Stroud, wide receiver Nico Collins and fellow wideout Tank Dell are currently signed to inexpensive contracts. 

However, it was reported early into the NFL's legal tampering portion of free agency that Barkley agreed to a three-year, $37.75M contract to make a move from the New York Giants to the Eagles. The former Penn State star revealed on the podcast that four teams made him offers before he came to terms with Philadelphia. 

The Giants weren't one of those clubs. 

"Then, as it got closer, and you start hearing word and Philly, I probably never imagined myself playing for Philly six years ago, but I get to come back to Pennsylvania," Barkley added. "My family is from Pennsylvania. My lady, our kids, grandmas, all that is from Pennsylvania, and we’re already close and we can even get to get closer and get a chance to compete." 

Barkley said that joining an Eagles team that's made playoff trips across each of the past three seasons and that played in the Super Bowl two Februarys ago "was a no-brainer for me." He also praised his agent for securing a contract the Giants clearly weren't giving any running back this offseason. 

"When I had my offers in place, I was like, 'Alright, what best fits me? Where can I go and have the best opportunity to win?'" Barkley remarked. "When you put all the pieces together, it made sense to be in Philly." 

Only time will tell if Barkley will end up wishing he'd embraced a fresh start deep in the heart of Texas rather than in the City of Brotherly Love.