Saquon Barkley 2024 Expectations
At the start of 2024 NFL free agency, the worst-kept secret was New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley’s willingness to test the market. The Giants were reluctant to pay Barkley the market value he commanded, due to the diminishing value that running backs hold in the NFL. Simultaneously, the Philadelphia Eagles lost running back D’Andre Swift to the Chicago Bears in free agency. Barkley’s tenure in New York was extremely productive at times, most notably leading the NFL in total yards from scrimmage during the 2018 season with 2,028 yards. Fast forward to 2020, Saquon Barkley tore his ACL, limiting him to two games. In 2022, Barkley looked as if he had gotten back to his rookie form, finishing with 1,312 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns.
During NFL free agency in March, Barkley’s deal was one of the first to be agreed upon. In principle, the Eagles signed Saquon to a three-year, $37.75 million contract. The contract is a lucrative one for the Eagles, making him the highest-paid running back in franchise history annually. Within these numbers are many expectations Barkley is now under in Philadelphia. For starters, Saquon’s success in Philadelphia will very well depend on his health. In his respective six seasons, he has only played a full season once. This came during his rookie year, which was statistically his best. Moving forward, Saquon has only played in one playoff game during his six seasons. This speaks to the lack of success the New York Giants ultimately had during Saquon’s tenure. Barkley’s production with the Eagles needs to catapult the franchise not only to a division title but also a deep playoff run. Saquon having a massive impact in the playoffs would help his legacy not only in Philadelphia, but his career overall.
On paper, the Philadelphia Eagles and Saquon Barkley seem like the ultimate match. Over the past three seasons, the Philadelphia Eagles have had a top-five offensive line, cementing themselves as a juggernaut in the trenches throughout the league. Barkley’s talent has never been the question, but rather finding the situation that gives him the best opportunity to produce. Over his career, Barkley has notably been productive as a pass catcher in the backfield, and new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore will be creative in the passing attack. Depending on the game plans from opponent to opponent, Saquon is sure to be the lead running back in most three-down situations. Time will tell how his durability will be throughout the season. Jalen Hurts’ success will also depend on Barkley, as he hopes his production can enhance the passing game to spread open the offense as a whole. Although controversial at times, the signature ‘Tush Push’ is also expected to be even more successful with Saquon’s strength pushing the pile in short-yardage situations. In a perfect world for the Philadelphia Eagles, Saquon Barkley will play close to a full season, surpass 1,000 rushing yards, and effectively complement the passing attack. Time will tell, but Saquon Barkley could very well be on the cusp of a career season in 2024.
