Philadelphia The Philadelphia Eagles signed free agent running back Saquon Barkley to a three-year, $37.75 million contract, in large part because of the league’s general unwillingness to pay running backs.
That was made evident during the league meetings in Orlando, where general manager Howie Roseman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie discussed the rationale for one of the biggest offseason splash moves.
We search the market constantly for inefficiencies. And we’ll do all in our power to capitalize on any inefficiencies in the league’s assessment of a position, whether it be overvalued or undervalued, Lurie added. “That’s important as you try to maximize the salary cap and how you allocate resources within a defined space.”
The Eagles, who awarded LeSean McCoy a substantial extension in 2012 and Brian Westbrook before him, have refuted the notion that this was an unusual decision. However, those signings—both with native talent—took place more than ten years ago.
Lurie highlighted that they only commit to players that are dynamic in both the run and pass games, and they are not opposed to repaying favors.
Barkley spent six seasons with the New York Giants, rushing for over 5,200 yards and adding 288 receptions for 2,100 yards. The fact that he performed under less than ideal circumstances was another factor.
“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 stated.
Salary inflation at the position has been minimal in comparison to other positions because teams have traditionally been reluctant to give large sums of money to even some of the more productive backs in recent seasons. Christian McCaffrey is the highest paid running back in the league, averaging $16 million annually. Just six running backs earn more than $10 million annually, with Barkley coming in at $13 million.
Tyreek Hill, the best NFL receiver, makes $30 million year in contrast. He is one of 16 players who average more than $20 million in a season, while the remaining 13 players—some of whom aren’t the main receiving option on their teams—are at $10 million or more.
Salary inflation at the position has been minimal in comparison to other positions because teams have traditionally been reluctant to give large sums of money to even some of the more productive backs in recent seasons. Christian McCaffrey is the highest paid running back in the league, averaging $16 million annually. Just six running backs earn more than $10 million annually, with Barkley coming in at $13 million.
Tyreek Hill, the best NFL receiver, makes $30 million year in contrast. He is one of 16 players who average more than $20 million in a season, while the remaining 13 players—some of whom aren’t the main receiving option on their teams—are at $10 million or more.
Salary inflation at the position has been minimal in comparison to other positions because teams have traditionally been reluctant to give large sums of money to even some of the more productive backs in recent seasons. Christian McCaffrey is the highest paid running back in the league, averaging $16 million annually. Just six running backs earn more than $10 million annually, with Barkley coming in at $13 million.
The player touches the ball 300 times a year, hopefully, but has the pendulum swung this far at this point? “Roseman remarked. “There’s not a lot of other skill position players that are touching the ball that many times and having that effect.”
Based on their remarks, it appears that the Eagles anticipate Barkley to play a major role in their offense. However, the same could be said about quarterback Josh Allen, tight end Dallas Goedert, and his strong receiving group of A.J. Brown, Devin Smith, and others.
As expected, coach Nick Sirianni referred to the abundance of possibilities as “a good problem to have,” but he also said that in order for the operation to be successful, some selflessness will be needed.
“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 stated.