Boost For Barkley

The Eagles on Tuesday rewarded the efforts of All Pro running back Saquon Barkley, the team’s prized free-agent signing last offseason, with a two-year, $41.2 million extension.

ESPN first reported that the extension makes Barkley the highest-paid running back in NFL history.

GETTY IMAGES: The Eagles worked quickly to reward RB Saquon Barkley with an extension just one year into his initial deal.

Barkley, who signed a three-year, $37.5 million contract last March, now becomes the first $20 million-plus per-year running back. The ESPN story said he can also earn an additional $15 million in incentives and escalators.

The driving force of the offense last season, Barkley carried 345 times for 2,005 yards, becoming the ninth player in league history to eclipse the 2,000-yard threshold.

The former New York Giants running back and 2018 No. 2 overall pick out of Penn State combined for 15 touchdowns in the regular season. Barkley also rushed for 499 yards and five touchdowns in the postseason, adding another 152 yards as a pass catcher.

In his first season in Philadelphia, in addition to becoming a Super Bowl champion, Barkley was named the NFL’s 2024 Offensive Player of the Year.

He also earned first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.