Nick Sirianni dismisses Saquon Barkley retirement talk, says RB has ‘plenty left’ and is key to Eagles’ future

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni isn’t buying into the buzz around Saquon Barkley’s retirement comments. Instead, he’s all-in on the star running back being a central piece of Philadelphia’s offensive engine in 2025 and beyond.

Nick Sirianni calls Saquon Barkley vital to team’s plans in 2025

After Saquon Barkley recently made headlines comparing himself to Barry Sanders—saying he could one day walk away from football without warning—Nick Sirianni offered a confident and grounded response.“Yeah, I guess anybody could do that, right? I just know he's got a lot of good football left in him," Sirianni said, via a transcript from the team. "Again, I have interactions with these guys every single day and I'm excited that he's on our football team and he'll be on our football team for the 2025 season”“And I really don't let myself get wrapped up into anything else beyond that, except for the day that we're in and trying to get ready for this practice and obviously handle all those things as they come.

Yeah, as long as I'm the head coach here, I'd always want to have Saquon Barkley on this football team. Obviously it means a lot to this football team and as a player and as a teammate."

Barkley’s comments raise eyebrows, but Eagles remain locked in

Barkley’s original comments suggested that, like Sanders, he could leave the game on his own terms. However, there’s been no indication he’s considering retirement anytime soon. At 27, the two-time Pro Bowler is still viewed as one of the league’s top dual-threat backs.

After signing a three-year deal with the Eagles this offseason, Barkley is expected to be a featured weapon alongside Jalen Hurts in a retooled offense. Early reports from OTA sessions indicate that Barkley is in top shape and fully engaged with the team’s offseason program.Also read: Aaron Rodgers sparks buzz after confirming secret marriage – Will wife Brittani appear at Steelers' 2025 Opener?The Eagles are focused on the present—and Saquon Barkley remains a major part of their future.