PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Eagles are celebrating the exceptional performance of running back Saquon Barkley by rewarding him with a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. This groundbreaking deal, announced on March 4, 2025, positions Barkley as the first NFL running back to earn over $20 million per season.
After completing his first season with the Eagles, where he not only led the team to victory at Super Bowl LIX but also set numerous records, including the highest cumulative rushing yards for regular and postseason at 2,504 yards, Barkley's stellar achievements have not gone unnoticed. The extension includes $36 million fully guaranteed at signing and offers the opportunity for Barkley to earn up to $15 million more through performance incentives.
“Overflow! Grateful for the Eagles Organization, grateful for my team, grateful for the amazing fans in Philly. Fly Eagles Fly,” Barkley expressed on social media, reflecting his excitement over the new agreement.
Barkley’s impressive season included rushing for 2,005 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns during the regular season. He narrowly missed out on breaking Eric Dickerson's record for most rushing yards (2,105) in a single regular season, finishing just 101 yards short after the Eagles strategically rested their starters against his former team, the New York Giants, to prepare for the playoffs.
Despite this near-miss, Barkley’s performance was instrumental during the Eagles’ Super Bowl campaign. He contributed significantly to the team, sprinting for 499 postseason yards and cementing his status as one of the league's standout performers. His contract extension reflects both his on-field success and the Eagles' strategy to capitalize on the potential of running backs, which tends to be undervalued across the NFL.
Before his transition to Philadelphia, Barkley had spent his first six seasons with the New York Giants, which included battling through several injuries and contract disputes. His departure from New York was marked by frustration, especially after the Giants indicated they could not afford to keep him as they invested heavily in quarterback Daniel Jones. “I kind of felt like it was a little disrespectful, to be honest, because it’s kind of like a slap in the face,” Barkley said about his time with the Giants.
After joining the Eagles on a three-year, $37.75 million contract last offseason, Barkley appeared revitalized, running behind one of the NFL's best offensive lines. His impressive statistics last season not only won him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award but also raised discussions about the importance and economic valuation of running backs within the league.
While Barkley’s new contract signifies a significant raise from his previous contract, it also highlights the disparity among running back salaries when compared to other positions like wide receivers, where many average over $20 million per year. Barkley’s deal places him at the top of his group, particularly after the previous highest average came from Christian McCaffrey, who signed for approximately $19 million annually.
General manager Howie Roseman noted the significance of Barkley’s role within the squad, stating, “Has the pendulum swung so far at this position? I mean, the guy touches the ball 300 times a year, hopefully.” This remark speaks volumes about the changing dynamics of player value and salary negotiations.
The Eagles, who ranked second last season with 179.3 rushing yards per game, hope to maintain this offensive prowess with Barkley at the helm. Fans are optimistic about what this new extension means for the team's future and how it may set the tone for other running backs seeking similar deals.
The 28-year-old Barkley has carved out an impressive career, amassing over 7,216 rushing yards and scoring 48 touchdowns across his seven seasons with the Giants and Eagles. His ability to break tackles and buy time has set him apart as one of the league’s elite running backs. Now, as both the highest-paid player at his position and a Super Bowl champion, Barkley stands poised to influence future contract negotiations and the overall market for running backs.
The Eagles extending Barkley’s contract is not just about rewarding past success but also about investing in the future of their franchise. With Barkley’s proven track record and the capability to dominate on the field, his extension not only cements his legacy with the Eagles but also augments the franchise's ambitions of sustaining their competitive edge within the NFC.
Equipped with burgeoning talent and strong organizational support, Barkley is expected to continue his outstanding performances and hopefully lead the Eagles on another deep playoff run next season.