Saquon was 'pretty damn close' to signing with Bears over Eagles

Eagles running back Saquon Barkley will have Bears fans wondering "what if" after recently revealing he almost joined Chicago before signing with Philadelphia during the 2024 offseason.

"Pretty damn close," Barkley said this week about almost landing with the Bears in March, according to Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Barkley became a free agent after the New York Giants decided not to re-sign him following the 2023 season.

Barkley's decision to choose the Eagles over the Bears and other suitors has paid off so far. The star tailback - who inked a three-year, $37.7-million deal - became only the ninth player ever to run for over 2,000 yards in a season and helped Philadelphia reach Super Bowl LIX.

Barkley's first Super Bowl appearance will be in New Orleans on Feb. 9, his birthday.

"Me and my family, literally had a sheet and did pros and cons, and the only con about Philly was I might get some slack because I played in New York," Barkley said, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. "So it was a no-brainer for me. The talent that we have here, going against those guys (here), hearing stories about the organization, and most importantly the big boys up front."

The 27-year-old led the league in touches (378) and scrimmage yards (2,283) while scoring 15 total touchdowns in 2024.

The Bears - who used the No. 1 pick in 2024 on quarterback Caleb Williams - were aggressive in free agency last year. The running back position was one of the team's main priorities, and Chicago ended up signing former Philadelphia tailback D'Andre Swift on March 11, the same day the Eagles added Barkley.