Over the last decade, the Philadelphia Eagles have historically chosen to ignore long-term needs at the running back position due to the devaluation of the position.
That previous notion has completely flipped.
With top free agent running backs like Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry, and Austin Ekeler all available to negotiate deals, Philadelphia could address their running back needs in a big way early. One name that was tied to the organization, though, was arguably at the top of all available names.
And the Eagles just brought him in.
Saquon Barkley Joins NFC East Division Rival
Philadelphia and former New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley agreed to terms on a three-year deal at the beginning of free agency Monday afternoon, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The deal is for $37.75 million and includes $26M fully guaranteed at signing. With incentives, he could earn up to $46.75 million total. Barkley has a maximum average-per-year salary of $15.833M — this is the second-highest for a running back in NFL history.
This is the most the Eagles have paid at the running back position since the 2016 season, with Darren Sproles and Ryan Matthews commanding the position. It’s the largest single deal the Eagles have given a running back since LeSean McCoy earned over $9 million in 2014 – his last season with the organization.
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For Barkley, after six seasons with the Giants, joining their biggest rivals in the NFC East is a stunning move that could alter the balance of powers of sorts in the division. The former second-overall pick and Coplay native has run for over 5,000 yards and 35 touchdowns in his career while being a two-time Pro Bowl player.
The Penn State phenom was born in the Bronx and spent his first few years in New York before moving to Allentown and now Coplay, Pennsylvania. He has been a leader and captain of the Giants in recent years and has been negotiating with Big Blue for over two years on a long-term deal.
Thank you to everyone who has shown me love and support over the past 6 years… forever grateful! Excited for the next chapter 💙✌🏾
— Saquon Barkley (@saquon) March 11, 2024
After being placed on the franchise tag last season, Barkley ran for over 900 yards, but the organization struggled to a 6-11 finish. Now, Barkley goes to a team that has been to the playoffs in each of the last three seasons and knocked off his former team in the playoffs in 2022.
This should add a nice new wrinkle to the Eagles-Giants rivalry.
KEEP READING: Eagles Re-Sign Pro Bowler Landon Dickerson to 4-Year Extension, DeVonta Smith Next?
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