The Philadelphia Eagles started the 2023 NFL season on a strong note, winning 10 of their first 11 games and convincing many that they may have what it takes to return to the Super Bowl and avenge their loss to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Unfortunately for Philadelphia, the strong start only masked the team’s more profound issues, as the Eagles were a very flawed football team that needed to make some drastic changes in order to get back on track as one of the best teams in the NFC.

Ultimately, the Eagles made the playoffs but flamed out in epic fashion, with Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers making easy work of Nick Sirianni’s squad in the first round of the postseason.

Heading into the NFL offseason, the Eagles were expected to make some moves to right the ship, and after such a disappointing end to the 2023 campaign, longtime center Jason Kelce decided it was time to walk away from the game.

With Kelce being one of the best players in the league at his position, losing him to retirement was a costly blow for the Eagles, which is something that veteran newcomer Saquon Barkley wanted to correct, as he recently admitted trying to convince the six-time All-Pro to come out of retirement via JPAFootball.

“I tried,” Barkley said. “I think that door is definitely closed.”

Obviously, as a superstar running back who touches the football a lot during the NFL season, Barkley’s desire to bring Kelce out of retirement makes a lot of sense, as he would make his job easier.

It’ll be interesting to see how the Eagles play in 2024 with the arrival of Barkley and Kelce adjusting to life after football.