The Philadelphia Eagles’ 2025 season has not unfolded as hoped for their star running back Saquon Barkley, who was expected to build on his stellar 2024 performance. After signing a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension in March, securing his place in Philadelphia through the 2028 season (his age-31 campaign), Barkley has struggled mightily. His lackluster output has led Bleacher Report writer Brad Gagnon to label him the Eagles’ biggest disappointment of the 2025 season so far.
In 2024, Barkley was a force, earning the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award with a remarkable 2,000-yard rushing campaign. However, 2025 has been a stark contrast. Gagnon didn’t mince words, noting, “The 2024 Offensive Player of the Year has fallen off a cliff. He’s yet to hit 100 yards in a game, and his yards-per-attempt average has dropped from 5.8 to 3.3. This dramatic decline raises questions about his performance.” Barkley’s inability to replicate his previous success has left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads.
Barkley’s workload in 2024 may provide some context for his struggles. He led the league with 378 touches during the regular season (sitting out Week 18) and added another 104 touches during the Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning playoff run. That heavy usage has sparked concerns about his durability, a common issue for running backs as they age. The Eagles attempted to manage Barkley’s workload in 2025 by incorporating Will Shipley, A.J. Dillon, and Tank Bigsby into the game plan, but the trio has failed to match the team’s 2024 rushing dominance.
The financial implications of Barkley’s contract add another layer of complexity. With nearly $70 million still owed over the next three and a half seasons, Eagles fans are left wondering if general manager Howie Roseman’s all-in approach for the 2024 Super Bowl was worth the risk. If Barkley’s production continues to decline, the team may face a tough decision about whether to absorb the cost of his contract, especially given his pivotal role in securing the 2024 championship and earning numerous personal accolades.
The Eagles’ offensive line has also struggled with inconsistencies, which may have contributed to Barkley’s drop-off. However, few could have predicted such a steep decline from a player of his caliber. As the Eagles prepare to face the New York Giants in Week 8, all eyes will be on Barkley to see if he can rebound statistically and help Philadelphia secure a crucial divisional win.
The question looms large: was the massive investment in Barkley justified by the 2024 Super Bowl victory, or is this the beginning of the end for the star running back? Only time will tell if the Eagles’ gamble will continue to haunt them or if Barkley can rediscover his elite form.