Eagles RB Saquon Barkley is worth every penny of his historic new deal 

The deal makes Barkley the NFL’s first running back with a contract worth 20-plus million in average annual value. Furthermore, the lucrative extension also makes the Eagles star the highest-paid running back in the league. 

"He's unbelievable," A.J Brown said of Barkley in December, via Chris McPherson of the team's website. "He continues to get better. He continues to show up. "He's an incredible leader. He means a lot to this team, a lot to our teammates."

Eagles head coach Nick Sirriani also had high praise for the All-Pro running back.

"[Saquon Barkley] has brought so much to this football team," Sirianni told reporters during Super Bowl LIX media day. "His play speaks for itself. It's all the other things he does that make him special. He's a special teammate. He's a special leader.

"I just can't say enough good things about him. And, if you watch the tape, you're in awe. All of us as his coaches and his teammates, we're in awe of the things he does every single day to help lead this football team."

Per the report, Barkley's extension includes $36 million in guaranteed money and has an additional $15 million in incentives available. Details of the escalators were not initially reported.

Despite the hefty price tag, Barkley is worth every penny of his record-setting new deal. 

After spending years in the Giants' dormant offense, Barkley broke out in a major way this season.

Barkley's 2,005 rushing yards led the NFL in 2024 and set an Eagles franchise record.

During the postseason, the Pro Bowl running back was equally as impressive.

Barkley rushed for 499 yards in four playoff wins and eclipsed the record previously held by Terrell Davis during Philadelphia's lopsided Super Bowl win over the Chiefs.

Now signed in Philadelphia through 2028, his age-31 season, Barkley looks to lead the Eagles to their third Super Bowl title since 2017.