Breaking News: Eagles Sign Saquon Barkley as NFL’s Highest-Paid Running Back!

PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles have made a big move by signing star running back Saquon Barkley to a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension. This deal not only makes him the highest-paid running back in NFL history, but he is also the first running back to earn over $20 million per year, according to sources.

Out of this new contract, $36 million is guaranteed from the start. On top of that, Barkley can earn an extra $15 million in incentives. His performance this season has been nothing short of remarkable. Barkley rushed for a record-breaking 2,504 yards, surpassing Terrell Davis’s single-season record. His exceptional game helped lead the Eagles on a successful Super Bowl run.

Although Barkley was close to breaking Eric Dickerson’s regular-season rushing record of 2,105 yards, the Eagles chose to rest their starters in the final game against the New York Giants. This decision left him just 101 yards short of reaching that milestone.

This contract extension is quite unusual; the Eagles extended Barkley just one year into his previous contract. In March, they had already signed him for three years at $38 million, a move that surprised many, given the team’s history of being cautious with running back salaries.

Running back salaries have struggled compared to other positions in recent years. Just before Barkley’s new deal, the highest-paid running back was Christian McCaffrey, earning about $16 million annually. Across the league, only six running backs made more than $10 million a year, while many wide receivers earned more, with some making over $20 million per season.

Many believe this deal could help shift the perception and value of running backs in the NFL. Barkley, at 28, has proven himself over seven seasons with the Giants and Eagles, accumulating 7,216 rushing yards and 48 touchdowns. He has also made three Pro Bowl appearances, earned first-team All-Pro honors, and was named NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year.

Source link