After spending the first six seasons of his career in New York, Saquon Barkley is embarking on a new chapter in the NFC East. CBS Sports HQ NFL Insider Josina Anderson reported that the running back has agreed to terms on a three-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. According to ESPN, the deal is valued at $37.75 million and could potentially reach $46.75 million if Barkley fulfills all incentives.
This represents a substantial contract for the 27-year-old, who would have received $12.1 million in 2024 with the Giants’ franchise tag. Instead, New York opted to let him explore free agency.
Barkley will now earn an average of $12.58 million per year with the Eagles, including $26 million in guaranteed money, making him the second-highest among running backs in the NFL, trailing only Christian McCaffrey.
In response to the news, Barkley expressed gratitude on social media, writing, “Thank you to everyone who has shown me love and support over the past 6 years… forever grateful. Excited for the next chapter.”
Despite facing challenges in 2023, including injuries and a sprained ankle that led to him missing three games, Barkley still managed to rush for 962 yards, ranking in the top 20 in the NFL.
Saquon Barkley, the former No. 2 overall pick, concludes his Giants’ chapter having rushed for a total of 5,211 yards, securing the fifth position on the team’s all-time rushing list. Despite expressing his desire to be a “Giant for life,” an agreement that aligned with both parties’ expectations couldn’t be reached.
Barkley is set to join the Eagles, a team renowned for its commitment to a strong running game. Philadelphia stands among the NFL’s top eight in rushing yards for the past two seasons, making it an ideal fit for Barkley’s talents.
The Eagles gain a dynamic ground threat in Barkley, a quality they have sought in recent years. Since his rookie season in 2018, Barkley boasts an impressive 23 carries of 30 yards or more, surpassing the combined total of every Eagles running back over the same period (20).
By donning the Eagles’ jersey, Barkley now looks forward to facing his former team, the Giants, twice each season during his tenure in Philadelphia.
