Eagles Make Saquon Barkley NFL’s Top Paid RB With Historic $41.2M Deal

The Philadelphia Eagles just made a huge statement by locking in Saquon Barkley with a massive two-year, $41.2 million contract extension. With $36 million guaranteed at signing, this deal makes Barkley the highest-paid running back in NFL history. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, this extension pushes Barkley into uncharted territory, earning over $20 million per year—something no other running back has ever achieved.

On top of that, he can earn an extra $15 million through performance-based incentives and escalators. It’s rare for a team to rework a player’s contract so soon, but Barkley’s record-breaking performance made the decision a no-brainer. Just last year, the Eagles signed him to a three-year, $38 million contract, and now they’re doubling down on their investment.

A Season for the Ages: Barkley’s Dominance on the Field

Barkley’s performance in the 2024 season was simply legendary. The 28-year-old put up a staggering 2,504 rushing yards between the regular season and playoffs, surpassing the previous single-season record held by Hall of Famer Terrell Davis (2,476 yards in 1998). That kind of dominance doesn’t happen often.

Here’s a look at the top rushing seasons in history, including playoffs:

Player	Rushing Yards
Saquon Barkley, 2024	2,504
Terrell Davis, 1998	2,476
Terrell Davis, 1997	2,331

Barkley came within striking distance of breaking Eric Dickerson’s all-time regular-season rushing record (2,105 yards) but fell 101 yards short. The Eagles opted to rest him and other starters in the final game against his former team, the New York Giants, prioritizing health for the playoffs over personal records.

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Source: Sources: Eagles reward Saquon Barkley with $41.2M extension

The Eagles Big Gamble on a Running Back

Historically, the Eagles have been hesitant to spend big on running backs. But they saw something special in Barkley and took a calculated risk. The NFL has undervalued running backs for years, with teams prioritizing quarterbacks and wide receivers. Philadelphia saw an opportunity and pounced.

For context, before Barkley’s deal, Christian McCaffrey was the league’s highest-paid running back at $16 million per year. Meanwhile, 16 wide receivers were making $20 million or more per season, and plenty of secondary receivers were still cashing in at over $10 million annually.

Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman acknowledged the imbalance in player salaries last year: “The guy touches the ball 300 times a year, hopefully. Not many other skill position players can say that.”

Now, with Barkley’s deal, the financial gap between running backs and other positions might start to close.

Eagles Make Saquon Barkley NFL’s Top Paid RB with Historic $41.2M Deal

From Giants Star to Eagles Hero

Barkley’s NFL journey started with the New York Giants, who drafted him second overall in 2018. He exploded onto the scene, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year and racking up over 2,000 total yards from scrimmage. But injuries and inconsistent offensive support kept him from sustaining that level of dominance in New York.

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In 2024, he took his talents to Philadelphia on a three-year, $38 million contract. Some questioned whether he could regain his elite form, but he responded with a season for the ages, silencing any doubts. His electric playmaking not only powered the Eagles deep into the playoffs but also forced the team to reward him with this unprecedented extension.

What’s Next for Barkley and the Eagles

With his future secure, Barkley has a chance to build an even greater legacy. Over seven NFL seasons with the Giants and Eagles, he has racked up 7,216 rushing yards and 48 touchdowns. His dominant 2024 season earned him a Pro Bowl nod, a first-team All-Pro selection, and the coveted NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.

By committing to Barkley, the Eagles have signaled their intent to remain serious Super Bowl contenders. With an offense built around a generational talent, Philadelphia is poised for another deep playoff run.

This contract extension isn’t just about Barkley—it’s a statement about how elite running backs should be valued in today’s NFL. And if his 2024 performance was just the beginning, Eagles fans have plenty of reasons to be excited about the years ahead.