Fresh off one of the most productive running back seasons in recent memory, Saquon Barkley is set to cash in.
The Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to a two-year, $41.2 million extension with Barkley, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history and the first $20 million+ per year rusher, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Tuesday.
The deal reportedly includes $36 million guaranteed at signing, and Barkley can earn an additional $15 million in incentives, according to Schefter.
Barkley, 28, joined the Eagles this past summer, signing as a free agent after spending his first six seasons with the New York Giants — the team that drafted him second overall in the 2018 draft.
The three-time Pro Bowler had a standout campaign in his first year behind Philadelphia's stout offensive line. Barkley posted career highs for rushing yards (2,005), carries (345) and touchdowns (13). Along with leading the league in total rushing yards, he averaged a league-best 125.3 rush yards per game while finishing eighth in rush touchdowns and fourth for yards-per-carry (5.8). His 2,283 scrimmage yards also topped the charts.
Barkley ran for 2,504 yards between the regular season and playoffs, breaking Terrell Davis’ record for most yards rushing combined in one season. His efforts earned him Offensive Player of the Year honours while he finished third in MVP voting. He also unsurprisingly made the NFL's All-Pro team for 2024-25.
His breakout play was especially integral throughout the Eagles' championship run. Barkley racked up 499 yards rushing on 91 carries for five touchdowns in the playoffs. He rushed for over 100 yards in three of his four appearances with Philly. Notably, he had a stellar 205-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round. Barkely then followed that up with 118 yards rushing and three touchdowns against the Washington Commanders in the NFC championship game.
The extension is a positive show of faith from the franchise. An uncommon move to extend a player one year into a three-year ($37.7 million) deal, and first with a new team, but one Barkley most definitely earned through his play.
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