A new era in NFL running back contracts?
In the world of professional football, few moments are as electrifying as a running back breaking free for a long touchdown run. Last Sunday, Saquon Barkley, the Philadelphia Eagles’ star running back, showcased his incredible talent with a stunning 72-yard touchdown run against the Los Angeles Rams. This performance was just a glimpse of his dominance, as he finished the game with an impressive 255 rushing yards and two touchdowns, leading the Eagles to a 37-20 victory.
The rise of Saquon Barkley
With 1,392 rushing yards in just 11 games, Barkley is on track to challenge the NFL‘s all-time rushing record of 2,105 yards set by Eric Dickerson in 1984. His remarkable skills—speed, strength, agility, and vision—have made him a key player for the Eagles, who currently hold a 9-2 record and are eyeing a Super Bowl run.
Questions surrounding his departure from the Giants
However, Barkley’s journey to Philadelphia raises questions among fans and analysts alike: Why did the New York Giants let him go? The Giants, who are in a rebuilding phase, opted not to commit a significant portion of their salary cap to an aging running back, especially one who had previously suffered a torn ACL. Instead, they allowed Barkley to enter free agency, where he ultimately signed a three-year, $37.75 million deal with the Eagles.
In a candid moment captured on HBO’s Hard Knocks, Giants general manager Joe Schoen expressed his concerns about the team’s financial commitments, stating, “In a perfect world, I would still like to have him back.” This decision has left many Giants fans questioning the team’s strategy, especially as they struggle with a 2-10 record this season.
The changing landscape of running back contracts
Barkley is not alone in his success; other veteran running backs like Derrick Henry, Joe Mixon, and Josh Jacobs are also having standout seasons with new teams. Henry, who signed a two-year, $16 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens, leads the NFL in touchdowns and ranks second in rushing yards. Meanwhile, Jacobs has made a significant impact with the Green Bay Packers after leaving the Las Vegas Raiders.
This trend raises an important question for NFL teams: Are the traditional views on paying running backs outdated? Historically, teams have been hesitant to invest heavily in older running backs due to concerns about durability and performance decline. ESPN’s Tristan Cockcroft noted a significant drop in production for running backs as they age, particularly after their 28th birthday.
Evaluating the risks and rewards
The Giants’ decision to let Barkley go reflects a broader trend in the NFL, where teams often prefer to move on from running backs after their rookie contracts. The fear of injury and declining performance has led many franchises to shy away from long-term commitments to older players in this position.
However, the current success of Barkley and his peers may signal a shift in this mindset. With their impressive performances, these running backs are challenging the notion that age should dictate contract decisions. As Barkley himself stated, he feels rejuvenated and ready to rewrite his story in Philadelphia, a sentiment echoed by Mixon, who expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute significantly to his new team.
The future of running backs in the NFL
The immediate success of Barkley, Henry, Mixon, and Jacobs complicates the decision-making process for NFL general managers. As teams evaluate their roster needs and financial strategies, the question remains: Will they continue to undervalue veteran running backs, or will they recognize the potential for high returns on investment?
For fans, particularly those of the Giants, the answer is clear. Many would gladly support a significant investment in Barkley, who has proven to be a game-changer. As the NFL evolves, the narrative surrounding running back contracts may also need to adapt, reflecting the talents and contributions of players like Saquon Barkley.
In conclusion, as the NFL season progresses, all eyes will be on these veteran running backs. Their performances could redefine how teams approach contracts and player evaluations in the future, making the running back position a focal point of strategic discussions across the league.
