The Philadelphia Eagles were among the more active teams in free agency, with perhaps the most impactful move made by general manager Howie Roseman being signing All-Pro running back Saquon Barkley to a three-year deal to pair alongside quarterback Jalen Hurts in a high-flying offense.
While the debate wages on over whether running backs meaningfully matter to a team’s championship aspirations, Barkley made an immediate impact in his first game in an Eagles uniform by scoring three touchdowns while producing 132 yards from scrimmage in a 34-29 win over the Green Bay Packers.
“Here’s the thing,” an AFC Offensive Coach told me shortly after Barkley signed his deal. “The Eagles’ offense will be similar — but more wide open — to what he played in during the 2020 and 2021 seasons with Jason Garrett calling the plays, Kellen Moore’s scheme is very similar.
“The Zone run game will be good for Saquon. He had it the last couple of years with the Giants, but he’s going to be a way, way bigger factor in the passing game. I’d expect him to be very productive.”
If first impressions are any indication of how the Eagles’ offense is going to take shape this season, with Kellen Moore calling the plays, Barkley figures to be a focal point.
Former NFL Agent Praises Saquon Barkley’s Philadelphia Eagles contract
Beyond Barkley’s versatile skill-set and potentially being an ideal fit in the Eagles’ system, the former No. 2 overall pick’s three-year contract worth $37.75 million could ultimately wind up being a bargain.
Former NFL agent, and current CBS Sports analyst Joel Corry lists Barkley on his recently announced ‘Best Team Money Can Buy.’
“Being cost effective and having dual-threat capabilities are a requirement for the primary running back,” Corry wrote of his selection of Barkley. “Barkley fits that bill. His 98.8 scrimmage yards per game (combined rushing and receiving yards) ranks fifth since he entered the NFL in 2018.”
The Eagles believe they have a plan in place to keep Barkley fresh, via limiting his practice reps which could lead to him making an even bigger impact on the field be it in the ground game or as a receiver out of the backfield, which could elevate him into one of the more dangerous and versatile offensive weapons in the league.
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