Veteran NFL running back Saquon Barkley has signed a new contract. Barkley has spent his entire career with the New York Giants. This news comes after reports that he would test the free agent market.
Former #Giants star RB Saquon Barkley is planning to sign with the #Eagles, per me and @MikeGarafolo.
The former Penn St weapon lands in-state at a rival of the #Giants and stays in the NFC East. He’ll see his former team twice a year. pic.twitter.com/na7lcPzWD6
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2024
Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles, Agree to Contract
The New York Giants selected Barkley in the 2018 NFL Draft. His absurd combine numbers turned heads, and the Giants fell in love. A 4.4 40-yard dash definitely checks the key threshold for running backs. He would go on to be the first Giants rookie to hit 1,000 rushing yards in a season and made the Pro Bowl as a rookie. He has led the team in rushing every year that he has been healthy but dealt with an ACL tear and ankle injuries throughout 2020 and 2021.
Barkley bounced back in 2022 in a big way. 1312 rushing yards were his career high and he added ten scores on the ground. Barkley came in third for AP Comeback Player of the Year, and made his second Pro Bowl. The 2022-2023 offseason was filled with contract disputes, but eventually he signed a very similar deal to the tag he was refusing.
Despite rumors that he could sit out 2023, Barkley played, but had a down year by his standards. In only 14 games he put up 962 rushing yards and under four yards per carry. Two fumbles were the most he has had in his career, but he still showed the burst and contact balance that makes him a capable NFL back.
Barkley has been an efficient rusher throughout his career, posting 4.3 yards per carry. The only season he didn’t have a play longer than 40 yards was the 2020 season with his torn ACL, a testament to his explosive ability. Even in what was considered a down year last season, Barkley eclipsed 1,000 yards from scrimmage and ten touchdowns. Bakley remains a viable fantasy football option.
Main Photo Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
