Barkley's Breakout Season with the Eagles Might Set New Records
Saquon Barkley, now with the Philadelphia Eagles, is amid an electrifying debut season that could rewrite NFL record books. With 11 games under his belt, Barkley has already impressed with 1,392 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns. Averaging an astounding 6.2 yards per carry, he'd not only lead the league but challenge historic benchmarks set by the greats of the game.
On Track for Record-Breaking Performance
Barkley is on a trajectory to surpass Eric Dickerson's revered single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards established in 1984. He's also eyeing Chris Johnson's record of 2,509 yards from scrimmage, achieved in 2009. If he maintains his current pace, Barkley could end the season with an astonishing 2,151 rushing and 2,548 scrimmage yards, showcasing his versatility and elite skill as a dual-threat running back.
The Eagles' potent offensive line, ranked third by Pro Football Focus, is providing Barkley with the support needed to reach these extraordinary heights. Their synergy is one of the reasons Barkley managed a staggering 255 rushing yards and 302 scrimmage yards in just one game against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11, further proving he's an invaluable asset to his team.
A Controversial Offseason Move
Barkley's move to Philadelphia wasn't without its controversies. Previously with the New York Giants, the organization offered him a three-year contract worth $11 million annually. However, it was the Eagles who secured his signature, offering a more lucrative package—three years for $37.75 million, potentially reaching $46.75 million through incentives. The deal includes $26 million in guarantees, with $24.5 million fully guaranteed upon signing.
John Mara, the Giants co-owner, admitted, "I'll have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia." His concerns were not unfounded, as Barkley's departure seemed to leave a significant gap in the Giants lineup.
The Giants' Regret and Missed Opportunity
For the Giants, watching Barkley thrive elsewhere is a bitter pill to swallow. A source familiar with the negotiation process observed, "I know from my agent days just how frustrating and insulting an approach like the Giants took can be to a client." The sentiment was echoed by another source who commented, "It's safe to say that Barkley wouldn't be duplicating his performance if he had remained with the Giants."
As the 2024 season unfolds, it's tempting to speculate on what might have been for the Giants if Barkley had remained in New York. "Mara probably regrets that he didn't intervene and mandate Barkley's re-signing given how the 2024 season is unfolding," noted a source. Indeed, the Giants made a significant long-term commitment to Barkley's former teammate, Daniel Jones, who secured a four-year, $160 million contract, further highlighting the financial allocations faced by the franchise.
The MVP Conversation
With his current performance trajectory, there's renewed discussion about the elusive MVP award for running backs—a title last claimed by Adrian Peterson in 2012. Barkley's achievements with the Eagles may well position him as a serious contender, reintroducing the possibility of a running back being acknowledged with football's highest individual honor.
Barkley's first season with the Eagles is shaping up to be historic on multiple fronts. Whether he breaks records or not, his decision to join Philadelphia has been validated on the field, reinforcing his status as one of the premier talents in today's NFL landscape.