Former New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley reached an agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year, $37.75 million contract that could be worth up to $46.75 million and includes $26 million fully guaranteed at signing, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Barkley now beats the franchise tag number and has a maximum average-per-year salary of $15.833 million, which would be second highest for a running back in NFL history.
The two-time Pro Bowl running back rushed for 962 yards and six touchdowns for the Giants last season, missing three games with a high ankle sprain suffered in a Week 2 win over the Arizona Cardinals.
Barkley, 27, played last season on an adjusted franchise tag that netted him $10.1 million after the two sides failed to reach agreement on a long-term deal. The Giants eventually elected against using the tag again this year at $12.1 million, which allowed him to hit free agency.
He had repeatedly expressed his desire to be a “Giant for life,” but Barkley turned down an offer last season that would have guaranteed him approximately $23 million, a source told ESPN.
Barkley said goodbye to Giants fans on social media.
Thank you to everyone who has shown me love and support over the past 6 years… forever grateful! Excited for the next chapter 💙✌🏾
— Saquon Barkley (@saquon) March 11, 2024
Although Barkley, the second overall pick of the 2018 NFL draft, got off to an electric start with a career-best 2,028 total yards to win Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, his career has been marred by injuries. He has missed at least three games in four of the past five seasons, including most of the 2020 campaign because of a torn ACL.
Barkley rushed for 5,211 yards and 35 touchdowns in his six seasons with the Giants. He also had 288 receptions for 2,100 yards and 12 touchdowns.
ESPN’s Jordan Raanan contributed to this report.