Saquon Barkley is enough to carry Eagles backfield to elite status

The Philadelphia Eagles have been recognized over the years as one of the elite running teams in the NFL. They took it to a whole new level last year with Saquon Barkley joining the team.

Barkley broke the franchise record for rushing yards in a season with 2,005 and scored 15 total touchdowns. His play in the postseason helped him break the NFL record for rushing yards in both the regular season and the playoffs, with 2,504 yards. The league rewarded him with a Pro Bowl selection, an All-Pro selection, and the AP Offensive Player of the Year.

This has led to high expectations for the 2025 season for the running game. Pro Football Focus writer Dalton Wasserman has Barkley carrying the Eagles as the fourth-best backfield in the NFL.

"Saquon Barkley’s incredible 2024 season alone earns Philadelphia a high mark on this list. Postseason included, Barkley rushed for more than 2,500 yards last season while forcing 83 missed tackles and generating an astonishing 55 explosive runs.

AJ Dillon and Will Shipley will be Barkley’s backups in 2025. Dillon missed all of last season due to a neck injury but earned a solid 76.1 PFF rushing grade in 2023. Shipley tallied just 34 carries during his rookie campaign but could be the team’s primary kick returner this season."

Can Dillon and Shipley take the load off of Barkley in 2025?

Barkley is dynamic, and the offense flows through him. The Eagles would like not to have him touch the ball 378 times in the season again.

Philadelphia is hoping that Dillon's addition in the offseason will help with the short-yardage situation, rather than relying on Barkley. Before his neck injury cost him the whole 2024 season with the Green Bay Packers, Dillon had three consecutive years of 600 or more yards rushing.

Shipley was utilized more in special teams as a returner, but his versatility on offense can help him play more in passing situations. He saw more playing time throughout the playoffs, including a 57-yard run, and scored a touchdown.

There's no secret to the greatness of Barkley, but if Dillon and Shipley can step up as well, Philadelphia's backfield could be even more elite.