NFL Rumors: Teams expect Saquon Barkley to have ‘Christian McCaffrey impact’ with Eagles

Aside from LeSean McCoy and DeMarco Murray (pain), the Eagles have historically invested little money into the running back position.

They took a different approach this offseason, poaching star RB Saquon Barkley from a division rival and signing him to a three-year deal worth $37.75M.

Former Giants RB Saquon Barkley reached agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year, $37.75 million contract that could be worth up to $46.75M and includes $26M fully guaranteed at signing, per sources.

Barkley now beats the franchise tag number and has a maximum… pic.twitter.com/d2TnEWhaQ0

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2024

The Eagles felt Barkley could be a game-changer in an offense featuring Jalen Hurts, AJ Brown, and DeVonta Smith. Teams around the NFL share that sentiment.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler recently reported on SportsCenter that many around the league expect Barkley to have a similar impact as Christian McCaffrey did once acquired by the 49ers.

“The feeling around the league talking to several teams is that Saquon Barkley will make a major impact, maybe even like a Christian McCaffrey-to-49ers type impact because he’s never had this sort of supporting cast, this kind of offensive line,” Fowler said. “He’s going to make [Jalen] Hurts’ job a lot easier.”

The Panthers traded McCaffrey to the 49ers in 2022 for second-, third- and fourth-round picks and immediately became San Francisco’s top player on offense. McCaffrey took home the NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award in 2023 and helped lead the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance last season.

Injuries have hobbled the former No. 2 overall pick, but he’s been ultra-productive when healthy while fighting behind a penurious offensive line.

Saquon Barkley over the last two seasons

• 30 games played
• 2,274 rushing yards
• 98 receptions
• 618 receiving yards
• 20 total touchdowns

Barkley is not only a dynamic ball carrier but also an effective pass catcher. If his production in Philly is anything like CMC’s, the Eagles will find themselves back in championship contention.

Saquon Barkley's 2022 season performance was 🔥

Can't wait to see what he does at the 2023 Prowl Bowl Games 😤 @NewEraCap pic.twitter.com/ss8fGctkre

— NFL (@NFL) February 3, 2023

Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports