(670 The Score) Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley, the NFL’s leading rusher this season, nearly signed with the Bears in free agency last March, he told Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
“Pretty damn close,” Barkley said Monday at Super Bowl media night.
Barkley instead signed a three-year deal with the Eagles worth north of $37 million. It worked out well for him, as he and the Eagles are set to play the Chiefs in the Super Bowl on Sunday.
Barkley played a key part in Philadelphia’s success, rushing for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns in the regular season.
The Bears also were involved in negotiations with veteran running back Josh Jacobs, sources told 670 The Score in December. Jacobs signed a four-year, $48-million deal with the rival Packers. He rushed for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns this season.
The Bears instead signed running back D’Andre Swift – whom the Eagles allowed to walk into free agency in order to sign Barkley – on a three-year, $24-million deal. Swift rushed for 959 yards and six touchdowns as Chicago’s rushing offense ranked 25th in 2024.
The Bears hope for an offense that’s improved in every facet after hiring new head coach Ben Johnson in January.