Saquon Barkley's debut season with the Philadelphia Eagles is becoming the stuff of legends, turning heads across the NFL and raising eyebrows at his former franchise, the New York Giants. After leaving the Giants for Philadelphia, Barkley has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, drawing comparisons to some of the greatest seasons by a running back in league history.
Barkley's Meteoric Rise in Philadelphia
The Eagles' investment in Barkley has so far paid off in spades. Barkley, known for his explosive athleticism during his tenure with the Giants, is averaging an impressive 6.2 yards per carry. He’s currently on pace to shatter records, with projections setting him at 2,151 rushing yards and 2,548 yards from scrimmage for the season. Only time will tell if he can surpass Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards set in 1984, or Chris Johnson’s 2009 scrimmage yard record of 2,509. Barkley’s current season totals of 1,392 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns over 11 games are indicative of his spectacular form.
Week 11 was a testament to his dominance, as he amassed 255 rushing yards and 302 scrimmage yards against the Los Angeles Rams, further cementing his status as a crucial asset to the Eagles' lineup. Aiding his extraordinary performance is the Eagles’ offensive line, hailed as one of the league's finest, currently ranked third by Pro Football Focus. This provides Barkley with the necessary support to maximize his potential.
A Contractual Crossroads
The Giants, however, seem to have underestimated Barkley’s value during contract negotiations. They offered him a contract of three years at $11 million annually. In contrast, Philadelphia extended a more lucrative package: a three-year, $37.75 million deal, which could escalate to $46.75 million with incentives. The Eagles secured Barkley’s skills with $26 million in guarantees, $24.5 million of which is fully guaranteed at signing.
Reflecting on the Giants’ shortcomings, a source close to the negotiations remarked, "I know from my agent days just how frustrating and insulting an approach like the Giants took can be to a client." Given the backdrop of Barkley’s flourishing season in Philadelphia, the sentiment underscores the potential misjudgment on the Giants’ part.
The Giants' Regret
From a broader perspective, Barkley’s departure seems to have left a noticeable void in New York. John Mara, co-owner of the Giants, had previously expressed his apprehension, stating, "I'll have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia." Indeed, the Giants have struggled in Barkley’s absence, prompting speculation that Mara might regret not stepping in decisively during contract talks. As one source candidly put it, "Mara probably regrets that he didn't intervene and mandate Barkley's re-signing given how the 2024 season is unfolding." It is believed that had Barkley remained with the Giants, replicating his current performance levels would have been unlikely. A source familiar with the situation remarked, "It's safe to say that Barkley wouldn't be duplicating his performance if he had remained with the Giants."
A Historic Season in the Making?
As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike are closely watching to see if Barkley can maintain his record-breaking pace. With comparisons being drawn between his current season and the iconic 2012 MVP-winning campaign of Adrian Peterson, anticipation is at an all-time high. Should Barkley continue to thrive under the bright lights of Philadelphia, the decision to move on from New York will not only be validated but remembered as a pivotal moment in his career and Eagles' history.
For now, Barkley's extraordinary debut with the Eagles appears to be setting the stage for a season that could rewrite history books and further highlight the dynamics and drama inherent to the league's player negotiations and team strategies.