Philadelphia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley is making history with a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension, becoming the highest-paid running back in NFL history, according to a report by ESPN.
The deal, which includes a $36 million guarantee after signing, makes him the first running back in NFL history to make more than $20 million annually, according to sources who spoke to ESPN. Additionally, he might receive an extra $15 million in escalators and incentives.
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The Eagles later acknowledged the contract extension, although they withheld the amount. Barkley immediately expressed his excitement on social media.
The 28-year-old wrote on X, “Overflow! Grateful for the Eagles organization, grateful for my team, grateful for the amazing fans in Philly. Fly Eagles Fly.”
Barkley topped Terrell Davis’s single-season record of 2,476 yards in 1998, rushing for 2,504 yards during the regular season and playoffs. He also scored 15 touchdowns, contributed 34.8% of the Eagles‘ total offense, and set a team record with 2,283 yards from scrimmage.
Barkley currently has 7,216 rushing yards and 48 touchdowns after seven seasons with the Giants and Eagles.
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He was named to his third Pro Bowl this past season, was selected as a first-team All-Pro and won the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year award.
Barkley’s success spurred the Eagles to take the unusual step of extending his deal just one year after signing him.
According to Howie Roseman, executive vice president of the Eagles, Barkley had “the best season for any skill position player in NFL history.”
Head Coach Nick Sirianni also commended Barkley’s leadership, work ethic, and impact on the team, emphasizing his qualities on and off the field.
Last March, the Eagles made headlines by signing Barkley to a three-year, $38 million contract, a huge move for a franchise that hasn’t traditionally invested substantially in the running back positions.
However, ESPN reported that the Eagles noticed a market imbalance as running back salaries fell short of those of other skill positions in the NFL.
At the time of his first contract, Christian McCaffrey was the league’s highest-paid running back, taking home $16 million annually.
Barkley earned around $13 million a year, one of only six running backs who earned more than $10 million.
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