Eagles' Sirianni: 'Really excited' about adding Barkley

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni is thrilled about what running back Saquon Barkley can bring to his team.

"I'm really excited about Saquon and the things that he can do," Sirianni told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. "You know he's such a dynamic football player. Both as a running back and also the things he can do as a pass-catcher. He's going to bring an element to our offense and to our team."

Sirianni added, "As much as we see him, all the highlights that we see on the tape - from my understanding and all of our homework, he's a good leader and teammate as well."

The Eagles signed Barkley to a three-year, $37.75-million contract with $26 million guaranteed on the first day of free agency.

General manager Howie Roseman has historically shied away from paying running backs. The largest deal he dished out to the position was LeSean McCoy in 2012 on a five-year, $45-million contract. Former Eagles head coach and general manager Chip Kelly gave DeMarco Murray a $42-million deal in 2015.

Philadelphia's starting running back in 2023, D'Andre Swift, signed a three-year deal with the Chicago Bears, opening the door for a new starter. Kenneth Gainwell and Tyrion Davis-Price are the other running backs on the roster.

Barkley totaled 1,242 yards on 288 touches last season, a step back from his stellar 2022 campaign where he racked up 1,650 yards and 10 touchdowns. The New York Giants' offense struggled as a whole in 2023, ranking 29th in yards per contest.

"How many times have I watched him on the opposite sideline and playing him two times this last year, three times the year before, and two times the year before?" Sirianni said.

He added, "It's like, man, we don't have to play against that guy anymore, great, and he's on our team, even more perfect. That's exciting because we have seen him up close and personal, we just know how good of a football player he is."

Barkley was drafted second overall in 2018. The two-time Pro Bowler has 7,311 total yards and 47 touchdowns in 74 career games.