According to ESPN and NFL Network, the Philadelphia Eagles have secured star running back Saquon Barkley for the foreseeable future, signing him to a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension. The new deal cements Barkley’s place in history as the highest-paid running back ever, making him the first at the position to earn over $20 million annually.
ESPN reports that the contract includes $36 million in guaranteed money and an additional $15 million in incentives. This lucrative extension underscores Philadelphia’s commitment to Barkley as the centerpiece of their high-powered rushing attack.
Barkley, 28, originally joined the Eagles last year after six seasons with the New York Giants. Selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Barkley became a star in New York but left after a highly publicized contract dispute. His departure from the Giants was notably featured on HBO’s Hard Knocks, where the team’s front office deliberated over his cost while prioritizing quarterback Daniel Jones.
“I kind of felt like it was a little disrespectful, to be honest, because it’s kind of like a slap in the face,” Barkley said of the Giants’ decision on The Athletic’s Scoop City podcast last July.
Barkley’s move to Philadelphia proved beneficial for both him and the Eagles. He delivered a career-best season, rushing 345 times for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns in the regular season. His dominance continued in the playoffs, where he added another 499 yards and five scores, helping propel the Eagles to a Super Bowl 59 victory.
His performance made headlines throughout the year, with electrifying plays and crucial moments that solidified his status as one of the NFL’s elite backs. His highlight-reel runs and ability to deliver in big moments earned him immense praise from teammates and analysts alike.
Barkley had initially signed a three-year deal with the Eagles in March 2024. His latest extension ensures that Philadelphia will retain its dominant ground game, which ranked second in the league last season with 179.3 rushing yards per game.
With Barkley now locked in, the Eagles have strengthened their offensive firepower as they aim to defend their Super Bowl title in the 2025 season.