Ex-Penn State football star Saquon Barkley speaks out after joining Philadelphia Eagles

Saquon Barkley is coming home. Monday afternoon, news broke that the former Penn State football star is returning to the Keystone State, signing a three-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. One of the biggest signings in NFL free agency this offseason, Barkley took to social media to express his thoughts about leaving the New York Giants and coming back to Pennsylvania.

Saquon Barkley excited for “next chapter” after joining the Eagles in NFL free agency

Monday, the speculation that started rumbling last week was made official when ex-Penn State football star Saquon Barkley joined the Philadelphia Eagles via NFL free agency. First reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN, the ex-Nittany Lion is expected to sign a three-year, $37.75 million contract with $26 million guaranteed.

The Eagles emerged as the most likely candidate for Barkley early last week. According to Bleacher Report NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Barkley picked Philadelphia over the Houston Texans and Chicago Bears. The New York Giants apparently never made a counteroffer.

Sources to @BleacherReport: Saquon Barkley’s decision came down to the #Bears, #Texans and #Eagles.

The #Giants never made an offer to retain Barkley, per multiple sources. https://t.co/v3RcVDSuot

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 11, 2024

We didn’t have to wait long to hear from Saquon Barkley himself. Shortly before Schefter broke the news of his signing, Barkley took to social media to express his gratitude for his time in New York. “Thank you to everyone who has shown me love and support over the past 6 years,” Barkley wrote. “[I’m] forever grateful! Excited for the next chapter.”

Minutes later, Barkley followed up with a short and sweet message about his new squad.

🦅🦅

— Saquon Barkley (@saquon) March 11, 2024

A product of Whitehall High School in Lehigh County, Saquon Barkley rushed for almost 4,000 yards for Penn State football. Leaving the Nittany Lions following the 2017 season, Barkley set records for the most rushing touchdowns (43) and total touchdowns (53) in Penn State football history. He was selected second overall by the New York Giants in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Penn State football reacts to Saquon’s massive new deal

As expected, news of Saquon Barkley’s signing with the Philadelphia Eagles was well-received in Happy Valley. Football connoisseurs everywhere were thrilled to see Barkley return to the state where he made countless highlight-reel plays in college.

48 days until Penn State Football.

Still not sure how this was humanly possible but again it is Saquon Barkley (@saquon) 🦁 pic.twitter.com/it6CJqNaf7

— The Basic Blues Podcast (@BasicBluesPod) July 15, 2022

The Lasch Building even got in on the action, with the official Penn State football social media account giving us our first look at Saquon Barkley in the Eagles’ kelly green throwback uniforms.

Fly @Saquon Fly 🦅#WeAre | @Eagles pic.twitter.com/TFoON8evH1

— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) March 11, 2024

However, not everyone in the Penn State football community was happy to hear the news. Fellow ex-Nittany Lions star Micah Parsons had a one-word reaction to Barkley joining the Dallas Cowboys’ biggest rival.

😂😂😂 sickening https://t.co/82oy6cUJnq

— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) March 11, 2024

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