By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
BigPaulSportsBigPaulSports
Notification Show More
Latest News
Matt Campbell: Cy-Hawk Game 'Unbelievable Opportunity' for Iowa State
Matt Campbell: Cy-Hawk Game ‘Unbelievable Opportunity’ for Iowa State
Game Analysis
NBA Reportedly Finalizing Another New Format for This Season's All-Star Game
NBA Reportedly Finalizing Another New Format for This Season’s All-Star Game
Game Analysis
Chiefs-Buccaneers Rematch? 'First Things First' Crew Predicts Super Bowl LX
Chiefs-Buccaneers Rematch? ‘First Things First’ Crew Predicts Super Bowl LX
Game Analysis NFL
How Matt Patricia, Caleb Downs 'Bamboozled' a Heisman Campaign Before It Began
How Matt Patricia, Caleb Downs ‘Bamboozled’ a Heisman Campaign Before It Began
Game Analysis
Most-Watched Week 1 CFB Game in History: Texas-OSU Has 16.6 Million Viewers
Most-Watched Week 1 CFB Game in History: Texas-OSU Has 16.6 Million Viewers
Game Analysis
Aa
  • Big Paul Sports
  • Services
  • Game Analysis
  • Free Picks
  • Premium Content
  • Registration
  • Member Login
Reading: Why the Eagles don’t think they overspent on Saquon Barkley
Share
Aa
BigPaulSportsBigPaulSports
  • Big Paul Sports
  • Services
  • Game Analysis
  • Free Picks
  • Premium Content
  • Registration
  • Member Login
Search
  • Big Paul Sports
  • Services
  • Game Analysis
  • Free Picks
  • Premium Content
  • Registration
  • Member Login
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
BigPaulSports > Blog > NFL > Why the Eagles don’t think they overspent on Saquon Barkley
NFLSports News

Why the Eagles don’t think they overspent on Saquon Barkley

BigP
Last updated: 2024/03/30 at 12:27 PM
BigP Published March 30, 2024
Share
Why the Eagles don't think they overspent on Saquon Barkley
SHARE
  • Tim McManus, ESPN Staff WriterMar 30, 2024, 06:00 AM ET

    Close

      Tim McManus covers the Philadelphia Eagles for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2016 after covering the Eagles for Philadelphia Magazine’s Birds 24/7, a site he helped create, since 2010. You can follow him on Twitter @Tim_McManus.

PHILADELPHIA — The league’s collective reluctance to pay running backs played heavily into the Philadelphia Eagles‘ decision to sign Saquon Barkley to a three-year, $37.75 million contract in free agency.

That became clear at the league meetings in Orlando, where CEO Jeffrey Lurie and general manager Howie Roseman shed light on the thinking behind one of the biggest splash moves of the offseason.

“We’re always looking for inefficiencies in the marketplace. And if we think the league is overvaluing the position or undervaluing a position, we will try our best … [to] take advantage of those inefficiencies,” Lurie said. “That’s important as you try to maximize the salary cap and how you allocate resources within a defined space.”

The Eagles have pushed against the idea that this was an out-of-character move, citing the lucrative extension they gave LeSean McCoy in 2012 and Brian Westbrook before him. But those signings happened over a decade ago, and both with homegrown talents.

Editor’s Picks

2 Related

Lurie emphasized that they are not averse to paying backs, they are just careful about it, committing only to dynamic players in both the run and pass game.

Barkley rushed for over 5,200 yards over six seasons with the New York Giants and added 288 catches for 2,100 yards. He did so in less-than-ideal conditions, which was also a consideration.

“He exhibited a very special skill set both in the running and the passing game that we think certainly can be maximized by being on a team with better skill positions, quarterback, offensive line,” Lurie said.

Teams have generally been hesitant to commit big dollars to even some of the more productive backs in recent seasons, keeping the salary inflation low compared to other positions. The top-paid back in the league, Christian McCaffrey, makes $16 million a year on average. There are a total of just six running backs making more than $10 million a year including Barkley at $13 million.

Meanwhile, the top NFL receiver, Tyreek Hill, nets $30 million a year. He’s one of 16 players that is north of $20 million per season on average while another 13 players are at $10 million or more, including some that aren’t the primary receiving option on their squad.

“Has the pendulum swung so far at this position — I mean, the guy touches the ball 300 times a year, hopefully,” Roseman said. “There’s not a lot of other skill position players that are touching the ball that many times and having that effect.”

Judging by their comments, the Eagles are expecting Barkley to be a central part of their offense. Then again, the same could be said for quarterback Jalen Hurts and his potent receiving options in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith and tight end Dallas Goedert.

Coach Nick Sirianni predictably called the plethora of options “a good problem to have,” though he acknowledged it’s going to require a degree of selflessness for the operation to work.

“What’s important in the process of a season is that we build the connection, we build the team, so regardless of how much they’re eating, everyone is excited for each other,” Sirianni said.

Sponsored Content

Bet the World Cup in Wager.dm

You Might Also Like

Chiefs-Buccaneers Rematch? ‘First Things First’ Crew Predicts Super Bowl LX

Chiefs are NOT on top of Nick’s Week 1 tiers, Browns, Saints on hunt for Arch | First Things First

2025 NFL Week 1 Picks: Best Bets for Every Game — Will’s Wagers

2025 NFL Midweek Betting Report: ‘Action is Pouring in Like a Playoff Weekend’

BigP March 30, 2024
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Email Print

Follow US

Find US on Social Medias
Facebook Like
Twitter Follow
Youtube Subscribe
Telegram Follow
newsletter featurednewsletter featured

Weekly Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

    Popular News
    Chiefs receiver Worthy's car stolen, police say
    NFLSports News

    Chiefs receiver Worthy’s car stolen, police say

    BigP BigP May 17, 2024
    Chase Young: ‘Felt pretty explosive’ at minicamp
    SEC coaches united in support to keep walk-ons
    Ranking the top 10 pass-catchers in college football for 2024
    Even if Jets trade for Aaron Rodgers, they need another quarterback
    - Advertisement -
    Ad imageAd image

    Categories

    • Sports

    About US

    We offer information and tips on US Sports and evernts all over the world.
    Top Categories
    • Game Analysis
    • Free Picks
    • Services
    • Premium Content

    Subscribe US

    Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!

      © Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.

      Removed from reading list

      Undo
      Welcome Back!

      Sign in to your account

      Lost your password?