A former general manager reveals the Eagles’ hidden benefit of acquiring Saquon Barkley.
The Philadelphia Eagles are placing a large wager on Saquon Barkley to improve an uneven running game and fill a need for a team that finished the 2023 season with five straight losses.
Arriving in Philadelphia with a career 4.3 yards per rush average, 47 total touchdowns, and 7,311 yards from scrimmage through 74 games with the New York Giants, Barkley was previously the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Even though Barkley is a spectacular ground-game and out-of-backfield receiver, former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum thinks Barkley has the potential to significantly affect both quarterback Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ run-game performance.
For ESPN, Tannenbaum argues, “Barkley will give Jalen Hurts a much better chance of getting through the season healthy,” citing Barkley’s signing as the league’s most significant. Hurts has carried the ball 491 times in the last three seasons, more than any other quarterback during that time.
He didn’t look the same at the close of the previous season, and those stats take a toll. Hurts won’t be under as much pressure to run with a truly great runner in the backfield, which could help him stay healthy in the final stages.
Jalen Suffers Seeking to Come Back in 2024
Hurts managed to get himself mentioned as the MVP in 2022, but he never really got going in 2023.
Hurts’ dismal final six games of the 2023 season saw him throw for just five touchdowns and five interceptions. In addition, he was limited to 250 passing yards and one score in a crushing 32-9 NFC Wild Card loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which is very concerning for the Eagles.
Philadelphia has a real bellcow at running back for the first time since Nick Sirianni took over, but Barkley’s presence in the backfield gives Hurts a safety valve in the passing game.
Barkley averaged 2.91 yards after contact last season, according to Pro Football Focus. But perhaps more importantly for the Eagles, Barkley recorded a 76.6 pass-blocking grade, which should allow Hurts more time in the pocket and lessen the amount of physical punishment he receives in addition to the hits he takes while running.
James Franklin explains remarks on possible “tampering”
Barkley, his mentor and college coach James Franklin, and the Eagles were engulfed in an NFL scandal following claims that general manager Howie Roseman had tampered with the star running back by speaking with him just before free agency.
Franklin responded to those accusations on March 19, following Penn State’s spring practice.
Franklin told reporters, “I just assumed and connected dots that weren’t there during our 10-minute conversation.” “His agent facilitated every conversation that took place.”
Following Barkley signing his $37.75 million contract, Franklin made some first remarks that caused controversy.
At a news conference, Franklin said, “But for him to now come back and be able to play within the state, in Philadelphia.” “(Barkley) stated that Howie’s initial phone conversation with him during the sales pitch included not just the Philadelphia Eagles and that, but also the obvious relationship with Penn State and their respective fan bases.”