Saquon Barkley's Stellar Debut with the Eagles Raises Eyebrows
Saquon Barkley's transition from the New York Giants to the Philadelphia Eagles has become one of the most talked-about moves of the NFL season. The dynamic running back is making waves with the Eagles, averaging an impressive 6.2 yards per carry and setting a blistering pace that could see him break long-standing records.
Barkley is currently on track to amass 2,151 rushing yards and 2,548 yards from scrimmage by the end of the season, figures that would eclipse Eric Dickerson's 1984 single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards and Chris Johnson's 2009 record of 2,509 scrimmage yards. Through 11 games, Barkley has already rushed for 1,392 yards, finding the end zone 10 times. His Week 11 performance against the Los Angeles Rams saw him rack up 255 rushing yards and achieve 302 scrimmage yards, a clear testament to his game-changing abilities.
The Eagles have undoubtedly enabled Barkley's success, boasting an offensive line that Pro Football Focus ranks third in the league. This stellar front line provides Barkley with the necessary protection and gaps to exploit, regularly setting the stage for his explosive runs. Observers note that it's "safe to say that Barkley wouldn't be duplicating his performance if he had remained with the Giants," suggesting that the change in team and environment has been pivotal in this breakout season.
Despite these achievements, Barkley's departure from the Giants wasn't without its share of drama. The Giants proposed a new contract offering Barkley $11 million per year over three years—a figure dwarfed by the Eagles' lucrative offer of a three-year, $37.75 million deal, potentially escalating to $46.75 million through incentives. The Eagles' deal included $26 million in guarantees, with $24.5 million fully guaranteed at signing, illustrating the confidence Philadelphia has in Barkley's talents.
Giants co-owner John Mara voiced his discontent with the situation, stating, "I'll have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia." Similarly, a source familiar with the process commented, "I know from my agent days just how frustrating and insulting an approach like the Giants took can be to a client," highlighting a rift between Barkley and his former team that may have facilitated his departure. Reflecting on the unfolding season, another source noted, "Mara probably regrets that he didn't intervene and mandate Barkley's re-signing given how the 2024 season is unfolding."
Barkley's previous teammate and Giants' quarterback, Daniel Jones, secured a four-year, $160 million deal, indicating the different valuation approaches the Giants have taken with their roster. This reallocation of salary cap resources, however, seems likely to haunt New York, especially as Barkley pushes the historical boundaries of running back performance in Philadelphia.
In the backdrop of Barkley's splendid season looms a broader narrative: the NFL's devaluation of running backs, a trend Barkley himself is on a mission to counter. Since Adrian Peterson became the last running back to win the MVP award in 2012, Barkley's campaign fuels discussion of whether an elite running back can still center a championship team in today’s pass-heavy game.
As the season progresses, all eyes will remain firmly on Barkley. His journey with the Eagles showcases not just his physical prowess but a determination to redefine what is possible for running backs, possibly leading him to rewrite the history books. For the Giants, it remains a cautionary tale of contractual negotiations gone awry and opportunities lost.