The Philadelphia Eagles could be a good fit for a running back they’re familiar with.
Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants might be a free-agent option. Barkley is set to become a free agent after getting franchise-tagged for the 2023 season. While the Giants may choose that option again, they may also allow him to enter free agency.
According to Adam Thompson of Bookies.com, the Eagles have +700 odds to sign Barkley, which is the fourth-best betting odds of any team. Thompson also mentions the Dallas Cowboys, who are not among the betting favorites to sign Barkley, as a potential destination for the Giants running back.
“The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles are each in the market for a new RB, and each has changes to make after disastrous ends to their seasons,” Thompson said. “The Eagles are in a far better cap situation, but the Cowboys have a history of making things work when they don’t appear to. “A desperate Jerry Jones discovers a way.”
Why the Eagles Might Sign a Running Back in Free Agency
As the Eagles enter the 2024 offseason, they may be looking for a new running back. Starter D’Andre Swift, along with the team’s other running backs—Boston Scott and Rashaad Penny—will be free agents, leaving Kenneth Gainwell as the lone back under contract in 2024.
Barkley is clearly one of the best running backs in the NFL. In 2022, the 26-year-old had his second Pro Bowl season, rushing for 1,312 yards at 4.4 yards per carry and 10 touchdowns. His outstanding play was undoubtedly the most important reason why New York earned a surprise playoff berth and won a game last season.
However, Daniel Jones’ deterioration in play and season-ending injury caused a quarterback carousel in New York for the 2023 season, with Tyrod Taylor and Tommy DeVito both starting games, and Barkley’s performance suffered as a result. The sixth-year back rushed for only 962 yards at 3.9 yards per carry.
Despite his dramatic decrease in statistics, advanced analytics reveal a different picture. While Barkley’s performance was not as spectacular as in 2022, he did have an above-average offensive grade of 70.2, according to Pro Football Focus.
According to Spotrac, Barkley’s market worth is $6.6 million per season over three years, for a total of a little less than $20 million. That would put him the league’s 11th-highest-paid running back, down from the $10.1 million he received under the franchise tag in 2023.
Why Eagles Signing Saquon Barkley Is Likely One
Swift, who had a career-best season and a Pro Bowl appearance in 2023, rushed for 1,049 yards at 4.6 yards per run. Spotrac predicts Swift’s market worth will be somewhat lower than Barkley’s, at $5.6 million each season over four years for a total of $22.7 million.
The Eagles are unlikely to sign Swift to a long-term contract, but if they can negotiate an early opt-out with a tiny dead cap charge, they may contemplate signing him to a multi-year deal.
If Philadelphia can sign Swift to a cheaper contract than Barkley, they will jump at the chance. Swift is already familiar with the system, has fewer injuries, is two years younger than Barkley, and had a stronger year than the latter.
The Eagles signing Barkley will only become a reality if Swift finds a team willing to offer him more money.
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