Saquon Barkley, a name that once echoed through the New York Giants' corridors, is now reverberating even louder with the Philadelphia Eagles. As the 2024 NFL season unfolds, Barkley's debut with the Eagles is turning heads, not just with his statistics but with the potential of rewriting the history books.
Breaking Ground in Philadelphia
Signing with the Eagles in an impressive three-year, $37.75 million contract, Barkley has found a new rhythm, leaving his former Giant days behind. His contract, significant because of its high guarantees totaling $26 million, provided the security and confidence he needed to perform on the field. It seems to have paid off, as Barkley is currently averaging an eye-catching 6.2 yards per carry. With 1,392 rushing yards and ten touchdowns under his belt after just 11 games, Barkley is setting new benchmarks for his career.
The decision to join Philadelphia seems to be fueled not only by financial incentives but also by a strategic choice to align with one of the league's top offensive lines, ranked third by Pro Football Focus. The arrangement has led Barkley to unprecedented heights, notably achieving 255 rushing yards against the Los Angeles Rams in a single game, marking a significant milestone in Week 11.
Chasing Records
Barkley's remarkable pace puts him on track for an astounding 2,151 rushing yards and 2,548 yards from scrimmage for the season, figures that could etch his name alongside NFL greats. He is on course to threaten Eric Dickerson's revered single-season rushing record of 2,105 yards set in 1984, as well as Chris Johnson's 2009 record of 2,509 yards from scrimmage.
Admirably, Barkley's season resurgence is drawing comparisons to some of the greatest seasons ever recorded by a running back. Adrian Peterson was the last to win the MVP award in 2012, and given Barkley's current performance, the conversation around his MVP candidacy is growing amongst the league's analysts and fans alike.
A Frustrated Franchise
The New York Giants, who had offered Barkley a relatively modest contract of $11 million annually over three years, might now be contemplating a decision that saw one of their key players join their divisional rivals. John Mara, co-owner of the Giants, expressed his dismay succinctly, saying, "I'll have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia." This sentiment perhaps echoes in the halls of the Giants' management as they witness Barkley's success in Eagles green.
A source familiar with the negotiation process remarked, "I know from my agent days just how frustrating and insulting an approach like the Giants took can be to a client." These insights reveal a disconnect that may have nudged Barkley toward greener pastures, both literally and figuratively.
Another source observed, "It's safe to say that Barkley wouldn't be duplicating his performance if he had remained with the Giants." The turnaround in Barkley's performance not only highlights his prowess but also underscores the significance of team dynamics and support structures that are evidently at play in Philadelphia.
Regret and Reflections
The ongoing success of Barkley with the Eagles might lead to second guesses from the Giants' leadership about their decision-making processes as the 2024 season progresses. A source close to the situation remarked on this unfolding narrative by saying, "Mara probably regrets that he didn't intervene and mandate Barkley's re-signing given how the 2024 season is unfolding."
As Barkley continues to dazzle the league with his athleticism and determination, the Philadelphia Eagles have given him the platform to become the player everyone expected. For New York, it serves as a poignant reminder of what might have been. As the season progresses, sports fans and analysts alike will watch with keen interest to see if Barkley can indeed inscribe his name into the annals of NFL history.