Getty Image
A trio of Philadelphia Eagles linemen are reportedly begging to swipe redzone touches from new addition Saquon Barkley. Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Jordan Mailata want short yardage opportunities in the backfield – and they’ve let the coaching staff know!
While it would provide a unique, and quite possibly, unstoppable situation for opposing defenses down near the goal line, it could offer a worst-case scenario for Saquon Barkley fantasy football owners.
Barkley was acquired by the Eagles this offseason after spending his first five NFL seasons with the rival Giants. In New York, he was not only a big play threat, but also one of the more reliable short-yardage options given his size and incredible lower body strength.
View this post on Instagram
Last year, he scored five of his six rushing touchdowns from within five yards of the goal line.
Given the Eagles’ success near the endzone last season, that was expected to continue with the move to Philadelphia.
Of course, he’ll battle with quarterback Jalen Hurts for those short yardage touches, as he scored 11 times from the goal line in 2023. Now, it seems there could be even more competition.
Eagles linemen want to swipe short yardage carries from Saquon Barkley!
It’s not just Saquon that #Eagles fans could be experiencing in the backfield for the first time this season!
There are a whole host of players desperate to show off their RB talents to @CoachSings!
The question is, can they block?! 🤣
Which non-RB would you love to see… pic.twitter.com/DfWP3zZOA8
— British & Irish Eagles (@BritishEagles) July 22, 2024
Assistant coach Jemal Singleton says that Jalen Carter, Jordan Mailata, and Jordan Davis have been “in his ear” about rushing opportunities.
“There’s usually three individuals on our team that are continually in my ear,” he said on the British and Irish Eagles podcast. “They’ll even show me their steps…
“Those three guys are Jordan Mailata, Jalen Carter feels that he would be a really good fullback in short yardage, and Jordan Davis is another one of those guys that has shown me their footwork… There’s some competition in that backfield for the ‘big guy.'”
Imagine trying to stop 335-pound Davis barreling towards you with some momentum. According to Singleton, it could be a possibility – at least if the linemen get their way!
While it would offer a fun package for viewers, it would be a nightmare for fantasy football value.
Saquon Barkley’s short yardage scores were easily his most valuable asset for owners last season as the back topped the 100-yard mark just once in 2023 while averaging less than 4.0 YPC.
Those that draft the tailback in the early rounds will hope his opportunities aren’t stolen by offensive and defensive linemen!