NFL Insider details why Eagles should not let Saquon Barkley break the single-season rushing record vs. Giants
The signing of Saquon Barkley by the Philadelphia Eagles has been one of the best made in the 2024 season. The running back currently leads the league in all major categories, and he has been a key cog for their 12-3 record, enough for (currently) the second seed in the NFC.
Although the biggest focus of the season is to go as far as possible in the playoffs, the Eagles can also make history in the next two games. Barkley could break one of the league's long-standing records, ending the regular season with one of the most impressive marks ever.
The running back currently has 1,838 rushing yards, with two games to go. Although he would need two great games, he needs 268 rushing yards to become the NFL's all-time leading rusher in a single season, breaking Eric Dickerson's record of 2,105 yards in 1984.
They'll play the New York Giants in Week 18, Saquon's former team, which would make it even sweeter for him to break the record. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, however, the Eagles should have a different thing in mind, even if it costs the record:
The next two games will be against the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants; in the first games against these two teams this season, he had a total of 242 rushing yards, although he could've gotten more against the Giants had he not been taken out in the fourth quarter.
Saquon Barkley's contract: how much is he earning from the Philadelphia Eagles?
The star running back stayed in the NFC East after leaving the New York Giants, who chose not to match his three-year, $36 million offer that he received from their rivals. Owner John Mara was filmed saying that he'd have a hard time if Saquon signed with the Eagles, and that's exactly what he did.
Barkley will have cap hits of lower than $10 million during his three years in Philadelphia. However, once he becomes a free agent in 2027, he'll count against $19.3 million due to four void years that were added to the end of his deal.