Eagles signing Saquon Barkley is out of character for Philly،
PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles generally don't spend a lot of money on running backs. Then again, players like Saquon Barkley aren't available every day.
This is why Philadelphia lost character and agreed to terms with Barkley on a three-year, $37.75 million contract that could be worth up to $46.75 million and includes $26 million fully guaranteed upon signing, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
General manager Howie Roseman isn't in the habit of investing heavily in the position — the last time he gave this type of contract to a running back was in 2012, when he signed with LeSean McCoy a five-year, $45 million contract. The Eagles let Miles Sanders enter free agency last offseason after he rushed for more than 1,200 yards en route to his first Pro Bowl appearance. Sanders signed a four-year, $25.4 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, and the Eagles traded a fourth-round pick to the Detroit Lions for D'Andre Swift, who, like Sanders before him, was in the final year of his rookie contract with a base salary of less than $2 million.
But the math is different with Barkley.
The Eagles view him as a multi-threat weapon who excels as a runner, receiver and pass blocker. The numbers back it up: Since entering the NFL in 2018, Barkley has averaged 98.8 yards from scrimmage per game, fifth-highest in the NFL, according to ESPN Stats & Information. He had over 5,200 rushing yards and over 2,100 receiving yards with a total of 47 touchdowns over six seasons. He also ranked sixth as a pass blocker among running backs over the past two seasons.
Barkley, in other words, has a complete game and should be a three-pointer under coach Nick Sirianni and new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
It's not hard to imagine Barkley thriving in this offense, which boasts high-profile players in quarterback Jalen Hurts and receivers AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, and features one of the best offensive lines in football – although the unit lost the center star. Jason Kelce will retire this offseason.
Barkley goes from a Giants offensive line that ranked 31st in point block win rate last season to an Eagles offensive front that ranked first in class in 2023. making Barkley, 27, feel rejuvenated in the new environment after being unable to do so. remain a “giant for life”.
This decision carries some risks. Barkley has suffered various lower body injuries in recent years and has decent mileage with over 3,700 career snaps and over 1,200 carries.
And it remains to be seen how Moore and Sirianni will satisfy all the playmakers, with only one ball shared by Brown, Smith, tight end Dallas Goedert and Barkley.
The advantage, however, is significant. Barkley can add a physical running style that was largely missing last season and help unlock an offense that has become stale over time. And with a reputation for strong character, he is expected to deliver in the locker room.
Ultimately, Barkley checked enough boxes for the Eagles to step out of their comfort zone and pay big bucks.
