Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has made waves in his first season with the team, earning recognition as one of the greatest free-agent signings in NFL history. Pro Football Network recently ranked Barkley at No. 6 on its list of the best free agent acquisitions since 1993, putting him in the company of legendary players such as Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Reggie White.
Barkley’s departure from the New York Giants to join their NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, was one of the most talked about moves of the 2024 offseason. The Eagles signed him to a three year, $37.75 million contract with $26 million guaranteed, a deal that reportedly caused Giants owner John Mara to “lose sleep” over letting their star player walk. The Giants were unwilling to match the Eagles’ offer, and the decision quickly proved costly for New York.
In his debut season with Philadelphia, Barkley shattered expectations, setting a new franchise record with 2,005 rushing yards and 2,283 scrimmage yards. His stellar performance made him only the ninth player in NFL history to surpass the 2,000-yard rushing mark in a season. He also led the league in rushing yards and added 13 touchdowns on the ground, along with 278 receiving yards and two touchdown receptions.
Barkley’s dominance carried into the postseason, where he rushed for 442 yards and five touchdowns in three playoff games, helping the Eagles secure a Super Bowl berth. His 2,447 total rushing yards put him within striking distance of breaking Terrell Davis’ single-season record of 2,476 yards.
The dramatic turnaround in Barkley’s career highlights the stark contrast between his time with the Giants and his current success with the Eagles. While he showed flashes of brilliance in New York, injuries and an underwhelming offensive line limited his impact. In six seasons with the Giants, he managed a 25-48-1 record, one playoff appearance, and finished fourth in franchise history in rushing yards (5,211).
As Barkley now prepares for the biggest game of his career, he has the chance to cement his legacy by helping the Eagles claim another Super Bowl title. If he delivers on the grandest stage, his free-agent signing may go down as one of the most influential in NFL history.
Also Read : ‘Jackson Will Never Win’: WWE Star Kofi Kingston Shares Video Hyping Up Real MVP
