The Philadelphia Eagles continue to make moves to ensure that their roster remains at the level that helped them win the Super Bowl over the Kansas City Chiefs. In addition to the presence of star quarterback Jalen Hurts, the reigning NFL champions have agreed to a historic contract extension with running back Saquon Barkley.
The Eagles have rewarded one of their stars after a big Super Bowl win over the Chiefs. The Philadelphia franchise is taking the unusual step of extending Barkley one year into his three-year contract, in the same league year they signed him to the original deal.
The Eagles will sign Barkley to a two-year contract extension worth a historic $41.2 million, making Hurts‘ teammate the highest-paid running back in NFL history. The information was revealed by insider Adam Schefter.
Barkley’s new deal with the Eagles details
As Schefter reported, the deal makes Barkley the first NFL running back to earn more than $20 million per year. The Eagles‘ player also has the opportunity to earn an additional $15 million in incentives and escalators. The deal includes $36 million fully guaranteed at signing.
Current Top 5 NFL Running Backs by APY
With this blockbuster extension, Super Bowl champion Barkley leads the list of many star running backs who are the highest paid per year. His $20.6 million per year surpasses Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers, who earns $19 million. Further down the list are Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor ($14 million), New Orleans Saints’ Alvin Kamara ($12.2 million), and Green Bay Packers’ Josh Jacobs, earning $12 million.
Barkley’s performance in the 2024 NFL season
Barkley had an exceptional 2024 season with the Eagles, helping Hurts secure the Super Bowl victory. The Philadelphia running back became the ninth player in history to surpass 2,000 rushing yards in a regular season, recorded 2,504 combined yards between the regular season and playoffs (a new NFL record), and totaled 2,857 scrimmage yards, setting another historic mark.