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Saquon Barkley becomes highest-paid running back in NFL history with Eagles contract extension

IMG_6598by: Nick Kosko03/04/25nickkosko59
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Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Eagles signed Saquon Barkley to a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension, making him the highest paid running back in NFL history. Pat McAfee broke the news on his show Tuesday.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter provided more as the news rolled in. Barkley just finished a historic first season in Philadelphia.

“Eagles are rewarding Saquon Barkley with a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension that makes him the highest-paid running back in NFL history, per sources,” Schefter wrote on Twitter. “The deal makes Barkley the NFL’s first $20 million+ per-year running back. Barkley also has the ability to earn an additional $15 million in incentives and escalators.

“The deal includes $36 million fully guaranteed at signing. The Eagles are taking the rare step of extending Barkley one year into his three-year deal – and in the same league year in which they signed him to the initial contract.”

Barkley ran for a career high 2,005 yards, 13 touchdowns and 5.8 yards per carry during the regular season. Adding in his postseason yardage, Barkley set the all-time rushing record (regular and postseason) with 2,504 yards.

While he was a little quieter during the Eagles’ dominant 40-22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, he was a large part in the turnaround from 2023 to ’24 in Philadelphia.

Barkley couldn’t have done it without his offensive line. And the Eagles couldn’t have won their second Lombardi Trophy in franchise history without the success of both. Barkley, however, isn’t satisfied. He wants to start a dynasty in Philadelphia.

“I said after the game, ‘Why can’t our dynasty start now?’” Barkley said at a Raising Cane’s in Trevose, Pennsylvania. “Probably had a little bit of champagne and other stuff in my system at the time. But you really can’t focus on that. You got to enjoy the moment. It’s hard to win one, and you take it in, enjoy the moment and start all over. It kinda starts over after Friday.”