One of the biggest splashes made during the 2024 NFL offseason was the Philadelphia Eagles signing running back Saquon Barkley. The move went against all of general manager Howie Roseman’s principles for the position, but they are thrilled about having such a talented player on the offense.
Saquon Barkley will be taking over as the team’s leadback after D’Andre Swift signed a deal with the Chicago Bears in free agency. After spending his first season seasons in the NFL with the rival New York Giants, the Penn State product is in his best situation as a pro.
Over at ESPN, Jeremy Fowler polled executives around the league about the running back position. Given the upgrade in the cast around him, people are expecting big things from Saquon Barkley in 2024.
He came in at No. 4 on the running back rankings heading into the season. That is the same ranking he received last season, but his production should skyrocket with the Eagles.
“He’s going to be a beast,” a veteran AFC scout who ranked him second said. “The weapons around him on the outside, dual-threat QB, shotgun runs, his versatility — it’s a perfect fit.”
Saquon Barkley’s efficiency and production both dipped in 2023. He dealt with injuries but there also wasn’t another threat on the Giants’ offense that opponents had to worry about.
They could load up to stop Barkley without worrying about getting beaten elsewhere. It led to him averaging a paltry 3.9 yards per carry, a number that would assuredly rise with the Eagles.
“Probably not as fast as he used to be,” an NFL offensive coach said. “He has the ability to make people miss in space, which is sometimes bad since you think you can bounce it and outrun people.
But when he does get downhill, running in between tackles, he’s so strong naturally that he’s hard to tackle. He runs through arm tackles. Just has to decide to do it.”
He was picked as high as No. 2 and as low as No. 10 by the executive, coaches and scouts Fowler talked to. If he can stay healthy, Saquon Barkley has shown to be one of the most talented players in the NFL.
When able to stay on the field, he has produced some gaudy numbers. The Eagles are hoping that is what can happen in 2024 and beyond, as he is going to be a key contributor on that side of the ball.
