Saquon Barkley never would have entered free agency at such a young age in a different reality. He would have been among the few running backs to secure a contract that was extended.
Barkley was the second choice in the 2018 NFL Draft, an NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year following a tremendous season, and one of the best running back prospects ever. After that, his career stopped.
Barkley did not receive a long-term agreement from the New York Giants before entering free agency, but its NFC East foe, the Philadelphia Eagles, were willing to pay. Barkley agreed to terms with the Eagles on Monday, a few hours into the so-called tampering period. According to Yahoo Sports' Jori Epstein, it is a three-year contract worth $37.75 million, with $26 million guaranteed.
Saquon Barkley's Eagles contract is a 3-year deal worth $37.75M base value, source confirms to @YahooSports. 26 million (essentially the first 2 years) guaranteed.
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) March 11, 2024
Philly paying an RB what most of league won't pay. OC Kellen Moore now gets to scheme with Jalen & Saquon threat.
According to various sources, the Giants have agreed to a deal with former Houston Texans running back Devin Singletary to fill Barkley's role. Singletary joins the Giants after gaining 1,091 yards and four touchdowns from scrimmage in Houston last season, and he might be the starting running back in New York in 2024.
Barkley, for his part, seems happy to join the Giants' rival.
Barkley may not have developed into the player everyone expected when he left Penn State, but he remains an important playmaker. Even in a position devalued by the NFL. And now he gets to play in an excellent Eagles offense.
Barkley wanted a long deal
Last offseason, Barkley was a prominent character in the discussion over the worth of running backs. Barkley looked for a long-term contract. The Giants assigned him the franchise tag. Barkley was dissatisfied with it, but he reported on a new deal that included extra incentives.
Barkley spent the season on the franchise tag, had a solid season with 962 running yards in 14 games, but the Giants did not award him a second tag.
Some players, such as Derrick Henry and Christian McCaffrey, rewarding long-term contracts, and it appeared that Barkley would join them.
Barkley finished his first season with 2,028 total yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns. That happened after a lot of hype about him in the selection. His stature and agility made him almost an ideal candidate for the role. He appeared to be prepared for long-term stardom.
Barkley never replicated his first season. In 2020, he sustained an ACL injury, setting him back. He had a successful 2022 season, with 1,312 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, earning him his first Pro Bowl selection since his rookie year.
Barkley's performance suffered by injuries and a frequently negative environment in New York. That is a large part of why he was a free agent this offseason. Now Giants fans can witness up close if Barkley performs better in Philadelphia.
Eagles spend on a RB
The Eagles frequently went with less expensive running back options, which made sense for a forward-thinking head office. They have frequently received solid output from those running backs as well.
Spending heavily on Barkley, with a huge sum guaranteed, is telling. They believe Barkley has the talent to be a star in their offense.
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