This offseason the Eagles challenged the NFL by going against the recent trend of roster building. For years, teams like the Eagles found ways to get the most out of several positions by buying low on untapped potential, and no position represented that quite like running back.
Not many teams have truly invested in the RB position despite the amount of talent available. Luckily for the Eagles, the New York Giants were firm believers in not paying Saquon Barkley big-time money after investing in Daniel Jones.
Saquon Barkley had been significantly injury-riddled throughout his time in New York and never had the chance to experience what his true potential could do to an NFL team. The Giants hoped for it but never invested in it. The Eagles on the other hand, well, saw the opportunity and punched on it by signing Saquon Barkley to a three-year, $37.8 million deal.
The deal would be the most money that the Eagles offered for a running back since signing DeMarco Murray to a five-year, $42 million contract. With how bad things went for both sides after that signing, you couldn’t blame Philadelphia for hesitating to spend big on that position group again.
But Saquon Barkley isn’t just a running back.
Barkley came into this season with the goal of defining his legacy and finally adding the necessary accolades to it. Since Week 1, Saquon became the Eagles’ ultimate weapon. His presence and skillset allowed the offense to overpower defenses with their two-headed monster in the backfield in Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley.
It was a sight for sore eyes for Eagles fans all around the world. Sure, Miles Sanders had a great season during their run to the Super Bowl in 2022 and D’Andre Swift had some career games in his one year with the Eagles but Philadelphia needed a running back that had the “it” factor.
That “it” factor that once existed when LeSean McCoy was wearing midnight green. Barkley is more than just a game-changer for the Eagles. He has completely reshaped all that they do and elevated his game to the point where he is now a finalist for the MVP award.
2024: A celebration for Eagles running backs then and now
It seems like the 2024 season was the year of the running back for the Eagles. To add to the national attention and excitement that revolved around Saquon Barkley, the Eagles had announced that they would be inducting LeSean “Shady” McCoy into the team’s Hall of Fame. An honor that was a long time in the making after his historical run in Philadelphia.
To celebrate LeSean McCoy’s induction, the Eagles partnered with Bird Gang Spirits by BOTLD to release a limited edition LeSean “Shady” McCoy Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey in honor of the Eagles’ legend. The limited edition bottle is available for sale until February 9th, 2025 via BOTLD.com along with their other Bird Gang Spirits selection of vodka, rum, and tequila.
As if the Eagles needed more to celebrate, Saquon Barkley came to Philadelphia and set the NFL world on fire. He broke the franchise record for most rushing yards in a game with 255 along with setting a single-season franchise high and career high of 2,005 rushing yards. Barkley had 10 games, including the postseason, with 119+ rushing yards this season and 13 games with 100+ rushing yards in a game.
Barkley has found his stride in Philadelphia and has slowly become the face of the team after a very trying season for the Eagles in 2023. Philadelphia rebounded in a significant way by winning 14 games and clinching the NFC East title along with the number two seed in the NFC.
Many teams have tried to slow down their offense and while their passing game has struggled to find their footing at times, their rushing offense has been able to completely dominate their competition. Saquon Barkley is a very deserving candidate for the MVP award and some may argue that he should win it. But with only two games left until a Super Bowl champ is crowned, can Saquon Barkley put the world on notice and finish his story?
He’s brought back life to the running back position and has shown just how valuable that position group is. He’s revitalized his career and could end up being one of the best running backs in Eagles franchise history. While a Super Bowl win would fully cement all that Saquon Barkley has done this year, the fact of the matter is that this may just be the beginning of a string of historically great seasons for the future Hall of Fame running back.
Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images
