There’s a belief that running backs are not important in the NFL, but the Philadelphia Eagles are going to test that idea.
After reaching an agreement with All-Pro Saquon Barkley on a three-year contract worth over $12.58 million per season with $26 million fully guaranteed, the Eagles are taking a big risk, hoping that the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft can improve an offense that declined significantly in 2023.
However, not everyone believes it's a good move.
ESPN’s Seth Walder sharply criticized general manager Howie Roseman for going against the Eagles’ usual practice of not paying top-dollar to running backs, and choosing to commit to Barkley in particular.
“Investing real money in a free agent running back seems like a change in approach for the Eagles — and probably not a positive one,” Walder writes. “While I think Barkley is more appealing than some other free agent options (like Josh Jacobs, D’Andre Swift or Tony Pollard), paying over $12 million annually with $26 million fully guaranteed is a high price for any running back — especially one entering his seventh NFL season.
“To justify that kind of money, we would have to believe Barkley is exceptional. While he’s very well-known, the statistics don’t indicate that he’s at that level anymore. Barkley only managed 0.4 rushing yards over the expected amount per carry in 2023 — a metric that takes into consideration run blocking — with the Giants. He was good, but not outstanding. With better run blocking, I think his performance stats would improve in 2024, but that would be the case for most backs joining the Eagles.”
Barkley has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, having suffered a torn ACL, a high-ankle sprain, and multiple ankle injuries. Penn State Despite that, when he's healthy, Barkley remains one of the most explosive and versatile running backs in the sport.
The Eagles’ bet on Saquon Barkley might lead to a big payoff
Barkley wouldn’t be the first running back to join a competitive team and take it to new levels.
The impact
Christian McCaffreyhad on the San Francisco 49ers could be similar to the impact Barkley could have on the Eagles’ chances of winning the Super Bowl during his contract.
Since the 49ers acquired McCaffrey before the NFL trade deadline in 2022, the 27-year-old has scored 31 total touchdowns in 26 games and gained 3,233 yards from scrimmage.
In New York, Barkley struggled behind a weak offensive line for the 2023 season. Meanwhile, the Eagles had the best run-blocking offensive line last season. Sharp Football notes that, the Eagles’ line ranked first and third in those categories, respectively, last season.
Despite having a poor offensive line, Barkley managed 26 explosive runs in 2023, averaging 2.91 yards after contact. It's easy to imagine how those numbers will improve with better running lanes and contact coming later in the play.
In addition, neither Pat Shurmur nor Joe Judge fully utilized Barkley's threat as a pass-catcher. In his first five seasons (excluding the 2020 season that ended in Week 2 due to a torn ACL), Barkley averaged 57.6 receptions per season.
Then there’s the truth that Barkley ended up as the No. 4 ranked running back in the NFL for pass protection, according to PFF. It's quite possible that Barkley will have a big impact on Jalen Hurts and play a major part in keeping him standing.
Because the Eagles use running backs for receiving, along with having a top run-blocking offensive line in the NFL, Barkley might be the key to Jalen Hurts improving and the Philadelphia offense getting better.
What Cam Jurgens Brings to Eagles’ Running Game
The Eagles are looking to Cam Jurgens to fill a huge gap left by Jason Kelce’s retirement.
However, Jurgens has the potential to play an important role in Barkley’s and the Eagles’ offense’s success in 2024.
As Pro Football Focus mentions, Jurgens got a 62.9 grade for run-blocking in 650 snaps at right guard. Jurgens moving to center will have a big impact on the direction of Philadelphia’s offense.
