The Philadelphia Eagles have made a monumental move to secure their star running back, Saquon Barkley, for the long term. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Eagles have agreed to a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension with Barkley, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history.
The new extension includes $36 million in guaranteed money and offers an additional $15 million in potential escalators, though specific details of those incentives have not yet been disclosed. Barkley’s extension comes just one season into his initial three-year, $37.75 million deal with the Eagles, which he signed last offseason after leaving the New York Giants.
This landmark contract follows a historic 2024 season for Barkley, who led the NFL with 2,005 rushing yards and 2,283 yards from scrimmage while scoring 15 touchdowns. His efforts were instrumental in the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory, cementing his status as one of the league’s most dominant offensive players.
Barkley’s Historic 2024 Season
Barkley's campaign in 2024 was incredible. Rushed for 2,005 yards, eighth in the list of all-time NFL single-season rushing efforts, and won the Offensive Player of the Year award. In addition, 2,504 combined rushing yards in the regular season and playoffs gave him the NFL record for most rushing yards ever, breaking the old record Terrell Davis once held.
Barkley was busy in the playoffs, barreling forth with 499 yards in his four games and a scintillating performance in the Eagles' win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. His ability to perform in pressure-cooker situations helped reinforce his reputation as a generational talent.
Resetting The Running Back Market
Barkley’s new deal resets the market for running backs above the $16 million yearly earning of San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey. The contract exemplifies his worth to the Eagles and how well he plays on the field, particularly after having been largely neglected for years on a downtrodden Giants offense.
At 28, Barkley is now signed with the Eagles till the end of the 2028 season, which means he will be with the club till the age of 31. His extension now means he would still be paramount to the Eagles offense with a view towards winning their third Super Bowl title since 2017.
Key Takeaways:
- Saquon Barkley’s two-year, $41.2 million extension makes him the highest-paid running back in NFL history.
- The deal includes $36 million in guaranteed money and up to $15 million in escalators.
- Barkley’s 2024 season was historic, with 2,005 rushing yards, 15 touchdowns, and a record-breaking 2,504 combined regular-season and playoff rushing yards.
- His extension surpasses Christian McCaffrey’s $16 million annual salary, resetting the running back market.
- Barkley is now signed with the Eagles through 2028, ensuring his role as a key player in their pursuit of another Super Bowl title.
The Eagles’ commitment to Barkley underscores their belief in his ability to lead their offense and compete at the highest level. As the NFL’s new highest-paid running back, Barkley’s future in Philadelphia looks brighter than ever.
