Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley had one of the best seasons by a running back in recent memory in 2024. He was the driving force behind the Eagles’ offense and helped lead them to a Super Bowl victory. As a result of his stellar play, he signed a massive two-year, $41.2 million contract extension in March.
The deal makes Barkley the highest-paid running back in the NFL, but he’s more focused on his legacy. While he hopes other backs surpass his contract, he doesn’t want anyone surpassing his greatness. His ultimate goal? Becoming the best running back of all time.
Philadelphia Eagles’ Saquon Barkley Talks New Contract, Legacy, and More
Barkley addressed reporters for the first time on Monday after signing his record-breaking extension and made it clear that he wants to be remembered as one of the greatest backs of all time—ideally, as a Philadelphia Eagle.
“I’m a fan of Marshall Faulk’s. …When his legacy is brought up, it’s the things he did as a Ram — not as a Colt. So I think this extension gives me the opportunity to do that. I want to be, if not the greatest RB of all time, one of the greatest RBs of all time. I hope I’m able to do that in an Eagle uniform,” he said, as quoted by Zach Berman.
Barkley, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, spent five seasons with the New York Giants before hitting free agency in 2024. The Eagles took a chance on him, and it turned out to be one of the best free-agent signings in NFL history. Barkley not only broke the league’s all-time rushing record (including the postseason) but also helped deliver Philadelphia its second Super Bowl championship.
Now 28, Barkley is convinced Philadelphia is where he wants to build his legacy.
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“100 percent. That’s the reason I wanted to come here…This organization knows how to continue to bring great people and have great guys on the team,” he said. “I’m just happy to be a part of it. The things I envision in the future, I feel like being here is the best place for it.
“I think it was just mutual [extension]. The love I have for the organization, and wanting to be here for a really long time. And the same thing that they feel for me — obviously, it shows.”
Barkley is now the highest-paid running back in NFL history and the first at his position to earn $20 million or more per year. However, he wants to see his fellow running backs surpass that mark and hopes his contract helps James Cook, Bijan Robinson, and Jahmyr Gibbs get paid what they’re worth.
“For (Bijan Robinson) and (Jahmyr Gibbs)— I know (James) Cook is up, too – all those guys up to get paid, I hope they beat it. That’s how I look at it. I don’t care, ‘Is this guy going to be paid more than me?’ That’s not what this sport is about. It’s putting the position up, and all those guys who are underneath me right now, when there’s a time, they beat it and max it out even more.
“And in five and 10 years, all those guys who are playing in high school and college right now. That’s the goal. It’s happening for every other position. I think it should happen for our position, too.”
For years, running backs were seen as replaceable due to their shorter career spans. But with stars like Barkley proving their value, teams are becoming more willing to invest in elite talent at the position.