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J.J. Watt Sends Message to Saquon Barkley After Historic News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Mar 4, 2025 3:09 PM ET

It's been a great year for Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, who accumulated 2,504 rushing yards (NFL record) and 18 touchdowns during the 2024 season, including playoffs.

That was ultimately capped off with Super Bowl LIX win over the Kansas City Chiefs, being named the AP Offensive Player of the Year while also making the Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro.

The good news has yet to stop, either after it was announced that the Eagles would be signing Barkley to a two-year $41.1 million extension with $36 million guaranteed, keeping him in Philadelphia until the end of the 2028 season.

That now makes Barkley the first running back in NFL history to sign a contract making over $20 million annually, and former NFL defensive end J.J. Watt shared a special message about the news.

"Saquon on a 12 month HEATERRR. Well-deserved my friend, well deserved," he said via social media.

Saquon on a 12 month HEATERRR.

Well-deserved my friend, well deserved.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 4, 2025

Watt, who throughout his 12-year career in the NFL, accumulated 586 tackles, 114.5 sacks, 195 tackles for loss, 27 forced fumbles, and 317 quarterback hits.

He was also named to five Pro Bowls, First-Team All-Pro five times, and won AP Defensive Player of the Year three times so Watt knows what it feels and looks like to be among the best at what you do.

Of course, given Barkley's recent year, it's hard to find any running back who deserves this kind of contract more than him, which Watt clearly agrees with.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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