The Philadelphia Eagles landed star running back Saquon Barkley in free agency in a big move that could completely change their offense next season. But according to Barkley, he nearly went to another team because of the influence of another star quarterback.
The Houston Texans had one of the best turnarounds in recent memory this past season, going from a 3-13-1 record in the 2022-23 season to a 10-7 record this past season.
Many factors went into this turnaround. First-year head coach DeMeco Ryans did an excellent job when it came to improving the defense and perhaps the overall culture of the team.
But without a doubt, the biggest reason for the improvement came thanks to the historic rookie season of star quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Stroud had one of the best rookie seasons in recent memory both individually and from a team aspect, throwing for 4,108 yards and 23 passing touchdowns with only five interceptions.
In just one season, the narrative has completely changed around the Texans organization. And according to Barkley, the Texans were near the top of the possible destinations that he wanted to go to in free agency.
“Probably the team that had my first interest was Houston,” said Barkley during an appearance on the New Heights Podcast. “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 of course then ultimately decided to sign with the Eagles, which he said was a move that best fit his family since they are from Pennsylvania.
“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, 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.”
It’s certainly understandable for Barkley to want to return to his home state. Especially considering he is doing so for a team that should be very much in the mix as Super Bowl contenders next season.
But still, Texans fans should be quite excited that Barkley even considered the Texans in the first place. It certainly shows that the organization is quickly becoming a destination due to all of the improvements they have made as of late.
