Saquon Barkley Revitalized the Value of Running Backs and Turned the Eagles' Success Trajectory Upward
Saquon Barkley's impact since joining the Philadelphia Eagles has been nothing short of game-changing. In a league where running backs were historically undervalued, Barkley has redefined expectations. Prior to the 2024 season, the average salary for running backs stood at a meager $1.8 million annually, lagging behind even long snappers and punters.
But Barkley flipped the script. His electrifying performance and the Eagles' resurgence as a result have gradually shifted the perception about the value of a running back. The 28-year-old dynamic force led the team to a remarkable comeback, turning them from a team on the brink of disaster to an unbeatable force behind a dominant rushing attack.
Barkley's unparalleled performance stat-wise was just the tip of the iceberg. With 2,005 rushing yards in a single season – a feat he achieved while becoming only the ninth player in NFL history to break the 2,000-yard threshold – he single-handedly stabilized the Eagles' offense and team as a whole, which had struggled before his arrival.
The transformation of the Eagles under Barkley's leadership was so profound that head coach Nick Sirianni, who had faced scrutiny following the departure of his coordinators, was ultimately able to steer the team towards Super Bowl glory.
His impact even extended to the performance of quarterback Jalen Hurts, who had struggled during the 2023 season with a high number of turnovers. Fast forward to the 2024 season, and Hurts had transformed into a Super Bowl MVP – he went the entire year with just five interceptions and ten total turnovers, showcasing his growth under Barkley's leadership.
Barkley's quick ascension to legendary status in Philadelphia was inevitable. Even before the end of the regular season, Eagles legend Brian Dawkins predicted that Barkley would break the single-season rushing record, should he play in Week 18. And they not only made it, they won it all.
"Coming home and being part of this success is like a dream come true," Barkley said in a press conference at Raising Cane's in Trevose, PA. "The season couldn't have gone any better, winning a Super Bowl – it's unforgettable."
The New York Giants now share that sentiment of unforgettable regret. Having opted to re-sign Daniel Jones over Barkley, they allowed a potential superstar to thrive elsewhere while their own offense stumbled.
Speaking of thriving elsewhere, running backs Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens and Josh Jacobs of the Green Bay Packers showed their worth in the 2024 season, leading their teams to playoff appearances. And Barkley? Despite celebrating a hard-earned Super Bowl victory, he's already looking towards the future and to building another dynasty in Philadelphia.
"We set the bar high now, and I definitely want to establish ourselves as a team on a year-by-year basis, not just a one-hit wonder," Barkley said.
With Barkley at the helm, it seems the Eagles are making another wise investment in the value of a running back – one that's already paying off in spades.
- Despite Saquon Barkley's impressive performance with the Philadelphia Eagles, the New York Giants opted to re-sign quarterback Daniel Jones, allowing a potential superstar to thrive elsewhere.
- The Philadelphia Eagles, led by Saquon Barkley, saw a significant change in their perception, with Barkley's electrifying performance gradually shifting the league's view on the value of a running back in the NFL.
- Prior to joining the Eagles, Saquon Barkley's average salary was just $1.8 million annually, a figure that lagged behind even long snappers and punters in the league.
- In a remarkable turnaround, the Philadelphia Eagles, under Saquon Barkley's leadership, transformed from a team on the brink of disaster to an unbeatable force, thanks to a dominant rushing attack.
- Jalen Hurts, the Eagles' quarterback, struggled with a high number of turnovers during the 2023 season, but under Saquon Barkley's leadership, he managed to reduce turnovers and was crowned Super Bowl MVP.
- Niall Sirianni, the Eagles' head coach, faced scrutiny following the departure of his coordinators, but the team's resurgence under Barkley's leadership ultimately allowed Sirianni to steer the team towards Super Bowl glory.