Saquon Barkley Breaks Records with Historic Running Back Contract.
It's pretty uncommon for a player to leave a team and then snag a championship in their first year with a new one. But that's exactly what Saquon Barkley did when he left the New York Giants after six seasons to join the Philadelphia Eagles, another NFC East team. While the Giants struggled with one of the worst records in the league, the Eagles soared to the No. 2 seed in the NFC and looked nearly unbeatable on their way to the title.
In Super Bowl LIX, Barkley had one of his quieter games of the season. Still, the threat of his explosive running opened up the field for the Eagles, allowing them to dominate the Kansas City Chiefs in a 40-22 win that felt more one-sided than the score indicated.
The Eagles clearly see Barkley as a valuable asset. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, they're showing their commitment with a groundbreaking contract. His new deal is worth $41.2 million over two years, with a whopping $36 million guaranteed right off the bat.
This marks the first time an NFL running back has signed a contract exceeding $20 million per season. Barkley also has the chance to earn up to an extra $15 million through various incentives.
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It might look like a hefty price tag, but Barkley just had one of the most impressive seasons ever. He racked up 2,005 rushing yards, leading the league with an impressive 5.8 yards per carry and scoring 13 touchdowns. Add in another 278 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns, and he topped everyone in total yards from scrimmage with 2,283 yards on 378 touches. Plus, he only fumbled once all year, showcasing his reliability. All of this earned him the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year award.
He pulled off a jaw-dropping move that was so incredible, it got added to the Madden NFL video game series right away. He dodged one tackle, spun past another, and then leaped BACKWARDS over a third defender while still gaining some extra yards. It’s hard to imagine we’ll witness a play like that again.
The Eagles are also aware that they might not have a running back like Barkley on their team ever again. Even though he’ll hit 30 by the end of this contract—usually a tough age for running backs—the team is hoping he can replicate this year’s performance for the next couple of seasons.
With this historic contract, the Eagles are making a bold statement: they believe in Saquon Barkley’s talent and impact. Fresh off a championship season, Barkley has already proven he can be a game-changer. His electrifying runs, unmatched versatility, and ability to elevate an entire offense make him worth every penny.
If he continues to perform at an elite level, he could cement his legacy as one of the greatest running backs ever. The Eagles are all-in on their superstar, and with Barkley leading the charge, they have a real shot at building a dynasty. The future in Philadelphia looks bright.
