Jason Kelce might have a bone to pick with Eagles GM Howie Roseman.
The former All-Pro center — who announced his NFL retirement after spending his entire 13-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles on March 4 — revealed another “regret” about his decision to retire after the news that Giants running back Saquon Barkley is expected to sign a three-year contract with the Eagles.
During the latest installment of his and Travis Kelce’s “New Heights” podcast, Jason explained that “social media has been nonstop” with some saying, “Jason, are you sure you want to retire” after the Barkley news.
The Eagles signed Saquon and everybody started asking Jason the same question … 👀
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— New Heights (@newheightshow) March 13, 2024
Jason Kelce reacts to Saquon Barkley signing with the Eagles.X/New Heights
“Yeah, I’m pretty positive,” Jason said before joking, “Even though [‘I’m] a little bit upset [Eagles GM] Howie [Roseman] waited until I retired to make a move like this!”
“But you know, it’s fine. It’ll work out great. Listen, when you add a weapon like this it’s only going to expand the way you can attack a defense… We have a great offensive line. We can put running backs in good situations and put them in these one-on-one spots
“… I think Saquon is gonna do a pretty good job at that this year. He’s gonna make that last guy either miss or make a tackle that’s gonna extend it another few yards and that’s what you want out of these running backs. The guys that can extend a play and make it explosive or do something special when they get the opportunity. This is one of those difference makers at the running back position that is increasingly hard to find in the NFL.”
Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants reacts as he walks off the field after a game against the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium on Dec. 31, 2023, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
Travis Kelce reacts to Saquon Barkley signing with the Eagles.X/New Heights
Travis went on to praise the talent on the Eagles’ roster this coming season.
“I could not be more bullish…” Kelce said. “This is what I’m regretting. I knew when I retired that I was going to miss just an outstanding season for the Philadelphia Eagles. And it sucks, it really does. I want to be a part of it so bad. I wish I could.”
Barkley’s deal will be for three years and $37.75 million, according to NFL Network, which is one of the richest current contracts for a running back behind Christian McCaffrey (49ers), Alvin Kamara (Saints) and Jonathan Taylor (Colts).
“I don’t think it’s arguably, I think it’s exactly the biggest news,” Jason said. “We’ve seen first hand his whole career how good he is playing with the New York Giants and even playing at Penn State. This guy has been unbelievable everywhere he’s been.”
Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants scores a touchdown against Zach Cunningham #52 of the Philadelphia Eagles during their game at MetLife Stadium on January 7, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.Getty Images
The Chiefs All-Pro tight end added that Barklet is a “world class athlete,” to which Jason explained why he believes Barkley is a good fit in Philadelphia.
“Huge signing for Philadelphia and I’m happy for Saquon,” he said. “I’m not trying to talk trash in this. You’re coming to a team that has a legitimate offensive line established for a very long time. You’re coming to a coach that’s been there for a very long time and they’ve had proven success with nearly every running back, so you know Saquon is entering a good situation in Philadelphia.
“But it doesn’t’ suck in the way that I get to still — hey, I’m a Philadelphian. I get to watch it and celebrate it just like everyone else and I’m excited about that because it’s going to be damn good.”
The brothers added that some division rivals weren’t happy with the news of Barkley signing with the Eagles, including Giants great Tiki Barber and former Cowboys All-Pro receiver Dez Bryant.
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley speaking to the media at the New York Giants training facility in East Rutherford, New Jersey on January 8, 2024.Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
“‘Saquon a f–king Eagle, shaking my head,’” Bryant said in reaction to the news, according to Jason.
During a recent installment of his daily WFAN radio show, Barber said Barkley is “dead to us” after the running back agreed to a three-year deal with the Giants’ NFC East rival.
Barkley, 27, fired back at Barber in a post on X, and called the former wideout a “hater since I got to New York.”
Travis and Jason explained that they believed Barber was joking, but went to bat for Barkley.
“Listen, I vouch for Saquon,” Jason said. “Everything I’ve heard out of the Giants locker room, people that know him, this dude could not be more of a team-first guy, willing to do what it takes.”
The Barkley-Eagles deal came after the Giants opted not to place the franchise tag on Barkley for a second straight year.
Both sides reached a revised one-year deal last season following a brief holdout.
Barkley tallied 962 rushing yards and six rushing TDs, along with 41 receptions for 280 yards and four TDs in 14 starts last season.
