Saquon Barkley Hopes His New Deal Sets the Bar for Future RB Contracts
Fresh off a Super Bowl-winning season, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is now the highest-paid player at his position after signing a two-year, $41 million extension. But beyond securing his own payday, Barkley hopes his deal helps push the market forward for the next wave of top running backs.
“For Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, and James Cook—all those guys up next need to get paid, I hope they beat it,” Barkley said. “That’s how I look at it. It’s about elevating the position, just like it happens for quarterbacks and other positions.”
Barkley’s deal makes him the only running back averaging $20 million per year, surpassing Christian McCaffrey’s previous high of $19 million annually. Meanwhile, other veteran backs in free agency haven’t come close to that mark. Najee Harris signed a one-year, $9.25 million deal with the Chargers, and Aaron Jones is staying with the Vikings on a two-year, $10 million per year contract.
For young stars like Robinson, Gibbs, and Cook, Barkley’s extension sets the benchmark. Cook, who is eyeing $15 million per year, was reportedly the most excited among his peers when Barkley’s deal was announced.
With the 2025 NFL Draft adding more talent to the running back pool and rookie contracts keeping costs down, it remains to be seen whether future stars will break the $20 million barrier. But for now, Barkley has set the new standard—one he hopes others will soon surpass.
Saquon Barkley Hopes His Eagles Deal Paves Way for RBs to Get Paid
