Philadelphia Eagles’ star running back Saquon Barkley has been vocal about the devaluation of running back contracts in the NFL, attributing the trend to the actions of a few teams. In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Barkley stated that the dip in contract values for running backs is not a reflection of their declining talent but rather a result of high-profile players signing large deals and then getting injured. This, he argues, has led to a narrative that the position is less valuable, which he claims is a strategy to keep salaries down and allow teams to acquire talent at a lower cost.
Barkley’s comments come in the wake of the Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning season, where the narrative of a resurgence in the running back position emerged. However, Barkley pointed out that the focus has shifted to the financial aspects rather than the actual performance of the players. He emphasized that the issue lies not with the players but with the franchises’ reluctance to invest in the position. This perspective has sparked a broader conversation about the dynamics of NFL contracts and the role of perception in player valuations.
Despite the criticism, Barkley’s performance last season was nothing short of extraordinary. He delivered one of the best rushing seasons in NFL history, rushing for 2,005 yards on 345 attempts with 13 touchdowns, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He led the league in rushing yards, attempts, and yards per game. This dominance extended into the postseason, where he rushed for 499 yards on 91 attempts with five touchdowns in four playoff games, leading all running backs in each category.
As the Eagles prepare for another Super Bowl run, Barkley remains a key figure in the team’s success, set to face off against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1. His comments have added a new dimension to discussions about the NFL’s financial landscape, highlighting the tension between player performance and franchise strategy. The narrative surrounding the devaluation of running backs has sparked debates about the future of the position and the evolving contract structures in the NFL.