The Philadelphia Eagles, who are renowned for their frugal running back expenditures, have unintentionally changed their approach. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Saquon Barkley and the Eagles have reached an agreement on a three-year, $37.75 million contract, with an option to extend that amount to $46.75 million. Upon signing, there is a $26 million guarantee included in this pact.
The last time General Manager Howie Roseman made a similar deal was when he signed LeSean McCoy to a five-year, $45 million contract back in 2012. Roseman is not known for making large expenditures in this position. By allowing Miles Sanders to become a free agent at the conclusion of the previous campaign, the Eagles made room in the draft for D’Andre Swift of the Detroit Lions, the team’s first-round selection. Similar to Sanders, Swift had a base salary of less than $2 million going into the last year of his rookie contract.
But things aren’t the same with Saquon Barkley.
Saquon Barkley: A Versatile Weapon
Considered a threat with several skill sets, Saquon Barkley is exceptional as a receiver, runner, and pass blocker. Based on ESPN’s statistics, Barkley ranks eighth in the NFL with an average of 98.8 scrimmage yards per game since joining the team in 2018. In the last five seasons, he has amassed over 5,200 rushing yards, over 2,100 receiving yards with 47 touchdowns, and over 47 scores in the passing game. In addition, throughout the previous two seasons, Barkley has been one of the league’s best pass blockers.
Stated differently, Barkley provides a comprehensive skill set, and with the direction of head coach Nick Sirianni and new offensive coordinator Kevin Moore, he could eventually develop into a three-down back.
Challenges and Expectations
Barkley is a great asset to the Eagles, but his previous history of injuries raises some questions. Barkley, who has played more than 1,200 snaps and 3,700 snaps in his career, has struggled with a number of lower-body problems in recent years. The 27-year-old’s adjustment to the new surroundings and potential return to his former form—which earned him the moniker “Saquads” for his massive lower body—remain to be seen.
The running game is anticipated to be affected by Barkley’s presence, particularly in light of standout center Jason Kelce’s retirement from the team last season. Barkley might find a new atmosphere in Philadelphia after playing for an offensive line that finished the previous season rated 31st in terms of run-blocking victory rate for the Giants.
A Dynamic Offense in the Making
With only one football shared by Barkley, Smith, Brown, and tight end Dallas Goedert, Moore and Sirianni’s success will hinge on how efficiently they handle all playmakers.
Conversely, Barkley’s rushing style can unleash a stretch of the game that was stagnant by bringing a physical element that was primarily missing from the previous campaign. Barkley is anticipated to be a game-changer in both the run and pass game because of his reputation for standing his ground in pass protection.
In conclusion, Barkley has fulfilled the necessary criteria for the Eagles to venture outside of their comfort zone and spend a substantial sum of money to acquire him back. It’s evident from the line below: Barkley has pushed the Eagles to get out of their comfort zone and produce a significant return.
