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Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley is signing with the Philadelphia Eagles, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Barkley, 27 years old, had previously been with the New York Giants for six years since they drafted him with the #2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Barkley signing with the Eagles will certainly feel like salt in the wound for Giants fans as the Philly club is one of their most heated divisional rivals, especially considering the way in which the rivalry has been lopsided in the Birds’ favor in recent years.
“Former Giants RB Saquon Barkley reached agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year, $37.75 million contract that could be worth up to $46.75M and includes $26M fully guaranteed at signing, per sources,” reported Schefter on Monday, March 11.
“Barkley now beats the franchise tag number and has a maximum average-per-year salary of $15.833M, which would be second highest for a RB in NFL History.”
Former Giants RB Saquon Barkley reached agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year, $37.75 million contract that could be worth up to $46.75M and includes $26M fully guaranteed at signing, per sources.
Barkley now beats the franchise tag number and has a maximum… pic.twitter.com/d2TnEWhaQ0
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2024
During his six seasons with the Giants, Barkley played in 74 games and carried the ball 1,201 times for 5,211 yards and 78 touchdowns. He’s also caught 288 passes for 2,100 yards and 65 touchdowns, making him one of the most effective dual-threat weapons in the NFL when healthy.
Landing in Philadelphia shouldn’t necessarily be a surprise, however, as Barkley has long had Pennsylvania roots given that he went to college at Penn State University. His move from New York to Philly likely means that tons of Penn State fans who rooted for Barkley during his college years will now be able to support him once again.
Barkley joins one of the most loaded offenses in the National Football League, as the Eagles already boast the likes of quarterback Jalen Hurts, tight end Dalles Goedert, and wide receivers Antonio Brown and Devonta Smith.
The Eagles have also been one of the best teams in the NFL since appointing Nick Sirianni as their head coach in 2021, as they’ve posted an overall record of 34-17, while also winning the NFC in 2022.
Despite his success, however, there were reports that he was at risk of losing his job following a disappointing conclusion to the 2023 campaign. Sirianni, however, was ultimately retained and has now been given a new offensive weapon to play with.
In addition to Barkley, it was also reported on Monday that the Eagles had agreed to terms with former standout Jets pass rusher Bryce Huff.