Saquon feeling 'like a rookie again' at Eagles OTAs

It's safe to say Saquon Barkley is already enjoying his time as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.

"It's a fresh start, and I feel like a rookie again, getting to know everybody here, learning about the culture, and buying into the culture. I'm feeling like this is home," the star running back said Wednesday, according to Chris Franklin of NJ.com.

Barkley signed a three-year contract with the Eagles this offseason after spending his first six NFL seasons with the Giants, who drafted him second overall in 2018. The star tailback played 2023 on a one-year deal with New York before joining the team's divisional rival.

The former Penn State stud - who ranks fourth in career rushing yards in Giants history - has averaged 1,680 scrimmage yards and 11 total touchdowns per 17 games played since entering the league. The 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year also holds the single-season record for most receptions by a first-year RB (91).

Barkley rushed for 962 yards (3.9 per carry) and six touchdowns in 14 games last year in addition to catching 41 passes for 280 yards and four scores. He's taking part in his first OTA practices with the Eagles this week.

"I love being here," Barkley added. "You come in, and you buy into the culture."

Barkley joined a talented Eagles offense that features quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and tight end Dallas Goedert in addition to a premier offensive line. Barkley and Co. are in the process of learning an offensive system led by head coach Nick Sirianni and new coordinator Kellen Moore.

"It's new. I'm just going out there to try and learn a system," Barkley said. "The biggest thing that struck me was our first seven-on-seven huddle. You see A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and Jalen Hurts. It's not a bad group to be out there with, and that does not even include the offensive linemen."

The Eagles reached the Super Bowl during the 2022 season and started last year with a 10-1 record. However, Philadelphia failed to replicate that success in the final stretch of the 2023 campaign and suffered a disappointing wild-card loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Barkley, 27, played only two playoff games with the Giants and reached the postseason just once. New York lost to Philadelphia during the divisional round in January 2023.