In a revelation that’s sure to leave Dallas Cowboys fans reeling, Philadelphia Eagles’ superstar running back Saquon Barkley dropped a bombshell on YouTube streamer Janky Rondo, admitting that the Cowboys never reached out to him during his 2024 free agency. “Never heard a word from the Commanders or Dallas,” Barkley said with a smirk, adding, “That’s why it’s BTA when I see them.” While Barkley didn’t clarify the meaning of “BTA,” it’s widely understood in slang as “Belt To (Expletive),” a phrase that perfectly captures his fiery approach against these NFC East rivals.
And oh, did Barkley back up his words on the field. In 2024, the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl champion torched the Cowboys and Washington Commanders, leading the Eagles to a 4-1 record in five games against them, including a commanding NFC Championship win over Washington. Barkley racked up an astonishing 647 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, averaging a jaw-dropping 6.3 yards per carry. If “BTA” was a warning, Barkley delivered it with unrelenting force.
Cowboys’ Missed Opportunity: A Front Office Fumble
The fact that Dallas didn’t even pick up the phone to call Barkley is nothing short of staggering. As the DLLS Dallas Cowboys Podcast pointed out on June 30, 2025, this oversight is emblematic of the franchise’s struggles. “That’s why we have the 30-year (Super Bowl) drought,” the podcast hosts lamented. “The Cowboys are so quick to say, well, the agent didn’t call them. The agent should have called Jerry (Jones). No. It’s your job at the front office to seek out talent … A lot of guys want to hear from America’s Team.”
Barkley, a former New York Giants star who spent six seasons in the NFC East, was a proven commodity with explosive playmaking ability. Yet, Dallas let him slip through their fingers, a decision that looks even more baffling given their current running back woes. The Cowboys’ backfield is now led by Javonte Williams, a free agent pickup from the Denver Broncos who managed a lackluster 3.7 yards per carry last season. In contrast, Barkley’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of historic.
Barkley’s Historic Season in Philly
After signing a three-year, $37.75 million deal with the Eagles in March 2024, Barkley didn’t just live up to expectations—he shattered them. He became only the ninth player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season, an incredible feat made even more remarkable by the fact that he sat out the regular season finale against the Giants after Philly clinched the No. 2 seed in the NFC Playoffs. Barkley’s dominance was a key factor in the Eagles’ second Super Bowl victory in franchise history.
The Eagles’ front office wasted no time rewarding their star. In a rare move, they signed Barkley to a two-year, $41.2 million extension in March 2024, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. As ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X, “The deal makes Barkley the NFL’s first $20 million+ per-year running back … with the ability to earn an additional $15 million in incentives and escalators.” With $36 million fully guaranteed, the contract solidified Barkley’s status as a cornerstone of Philly’s offense.
Dallas’ Running Back Woes: A Stark Contrast
While Barkley was rewriting the record books in Philadelphia, the Cowboys’ running back room became a glaring weakness. Javonte Williams, the presumed starter, has yet to show the dynamic playmaking ability that Barkley brings to the table. Dallas’ failure to pursue a player of Barkley’s caliber has left fans and analysts questioning the front office’s priorities. In a division as competitive as the NFC East, passing on a generational talent like Barkley could haunt the Cowboys for years to come.
As Barkley continues to dominate and Dallas scrambles to fill the void at running back, the “BTA” mantra resonates louder than ever. For Cowboys fans, it’s a bitter reminder of a missed opportunity that could have changed the trajectory of their season—and perhaps their Super Bowl drought.