The Philadelphia Eagles made a marquee splash in free agency, agreeing to a contract with a potential franchise cornerstone in running back Saquon Barkley before free agency even officially begins.
Monday, the Eagles came to terms with former New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Barkley's deal is a three-year pact worth $37.5 million that can escalate to as much as $46.75 million and includes $26 million fully guaranteed.
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
Barkley, originally chosen by the Giants with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Penn State, is when healthy one of the most explosive and versatile backs in the league.
Through the first five seasons of his career, Barkley has rushed for 5,211 yards with 35 touchdowns while adding 288 receptions for 2,100 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Injuries, though, have wreaked havoc on Barkley's career.
The 27-year-old missed 14 games after tearing his ACL in Week 2 of the 2020 season, one year after a high-ankle sprain cost him three games in 2019, and he also missed four games due to injury in 2021.
Playing under the franchise tag during the 2023 season, Barkley proved he can still be a difference-maker while posting 1,242 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns.
Barkley now gives Barkley the chance to play his former team twice each season in the NFC East.
Signing with the Eagles gives Barkley the opportunity to return closer to home, where he grew up in the Lehigh Valley and attended Whitehall Coplay High School and went on to become an All-American at Penn State. Likewise, the Eagles' offensive line is one of the most consistently dominant in the NFL and could give Barkley the chance to reach his lofty NFL potential.
