Saquon Barkley’s deal with the Eagles is unusual for Philadelphia

Usually, the Eagles don’t invest a lot of money on running backs. However, talents like Saquon Barkley aren’t always accessible.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, that’s essentially the reason Philadelphia broke with tradition and came to terms with Barkley on a three-year, $37.75 million deal that could be worth up to $46.75 million and includes $26 million fully guaranteed upon signing.

The last time general manager Howie Roseman awarded a running back a contract of this kind was in 2012 when he signed LeSean McCoy to a five-year, $45 million contract. Roseman has not historically made significant investments in the position. The previous offseason, Miles Sanders was allowed to go in free agency by the Eagles after amassing over 1,200 yards and making his first Pro Bowl appearance. Sanders signed a four-year, $25.4 million deal with the Carolina Panthers, and the Eagles acquired D’Andre Swift—who, like Sanders, was in the last year of his rookie contract with a base salary under $2 million—by trading a fourth-round selection to the Detroit Lions.
However, Barkley’s calculus is different.
He is regarded by the Eagles as a versatile weapon who is excellent as a receiver, runner, and pass-blocker. The figures support that: According to ESPN Stats & Information, Barkley has averaged 98.8 scrimmage yards per game since joining the NFL in 2018, which is sixth highest in the league. Over the course of six seasons, he has amassed over 5,200 yards of rushes and over 2,100 yards of receptions yards with 47 touchdowns. Over the previous two seasons, he has also been the sixth-best running back in terms of pass blocking.
In other words, Barkley is expected to be a three-down back under head coach Nick Sirianni and new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore because he possesses a complete game.
With receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, quarterback Jalen Hurts, and one of the best offensive lines in football (although the team lost standout center Jason Kelce to retirement this offseason), it’s easy to see Barkley succeeding in this offense.
Barkley joins the Eagles offensive front, who finished top in the category in 2023, from the Giants offensive line, which finished 31st in run block win rate the previous season. Barkley, 27, is expected to feel refreshed in the new setting after realizing he can’t be a “Giant for life.”
The move is not without danger. With over 3,700 career plays and over 1,200 carries, Barkley has a respectable amount of miles on his resume despite dealing with a number of lower-body ailments in recent years.
With only one ball for Brown, Smith, tight end Dallas Goedert, and Barkley to split, it remains to be seen how Moore and Sirianni can satisfy all of the playmakers.
However, there is a big positive. Barkley may assist an offense that became monotonous towards the end of the season by bringing a muscular style of rushing that was mostly lacking from the previous campaign. And he’s expected to be a locker room fit because of his high moral reputation.
In summary, Barkley met enough requirements for the Eagles to go outside of their comfort zone and spend a significant amount of money on a running back.

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