ESPN: Saquon Barkley in trouble following recent NFL contract news.
If the Eagles wish to retain Saquan in Philadelphia for the long run, the price has increased.
Shortly after guiding the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl victory, the two parties were able to reach an agreement on a two-year, $41.2 million extension, securing Saquon Barkley’s contract until the 2028 campaign.
With 2,005 yards running and 15 total touchdowns in 16 regular-season starts, the seven-year veteran was all the Eagles could have asked for in his debut season in Philadelphia. The former Penn State University standout Barkley will be a part of the jigsaw for the upcoming seasons as the Eagles rewarded his efforts with an extension in March 2025.
But if Howie Roseman and the rest of Philadelphia’s front staff want to keep Barkley over his current deal, the cost of doing business has just increased. The running back market for veterans has taken a significant turn with the Baltimore Ravens and All-Pro running back Derrick Henry agreeing to a two-year, $30 million agreement, of which $25 million is guaranteed.
Derrick Saquon Barkley Could Be Affected by Henry’s Extension Later on
Henry’s new contract, which is the biggest in league history for a running back beyond 30, is probably going to change the market for seasoned rushers who are top performers. As of right now, Barkley will turn 31 just before training camp and OTAs begin in preparation for the 2028 regular season, which is the last year on Saquon’s current deal.
Roseman and the Eagles’ brain trust will have to make a tough choice if Barkley doesn’t slow down between now and the end of the 2027 campaign. Do they risk letting Barkley depart in the hopes of finding a younger, less expensive replacement, or do they offer the running back a deal that would surpass what the Ravens recently offered Henry?
Although fans will undoubtedly have an opinion, the franchise will ultimately be in charge of making the decisions, and in these situations, decision makers who support Father Time typically win out more than in any other professional league.
Thankfully, the Eagles will have to deal with that choice later on because Barkley and his colleagues are currently concentrating on winning the title.
