Ex-New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley named to Madden 26 cover
Ex-New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley named to Madden 26 cover
Former New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley took the league by storm in 2025. He set a new record for his 2,000-plus yards rushing over the regular season and postseason, and it's the way he got those yards that has everyone's head on a swivel.
Barkley'sathleticism, agility, and ability to break tackles and keep going are hard to turn away from.
That incredible 2024 season not only helped the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl, but it has led EA Sports to name Barkley to the cover of Madden NFL 26.
The photo depicts Barkley doing his infamous reserve hurdle over a player trying to tackle him -- the most viral play from the 2024 regular season.
Now, we have to talk about the Madden Curse. Historically, there have been several instances where the player depicted on the cover of that year's Madden NFL game is severely injured or has a major decline in performance. Michael Vick, Daunte Culpepper, and even Barry Sanders have been affected by this "curse."
The curse has been broken over the years but many are still wary. Will Barkley be impacted in 2025?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
After Eagles' FA defections, do Cowboys or Giants have NFC East's best DL?
After Eagles' FA defections, do Cowboys or Giants have NFC East's best DL? NFC East teams feature defensive line units that would all rank among the best in the entire NFL. While the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders have invested heavily in their offensive lines and receiving rooms, the defensive lines have been the mainstays of the division for a long time. Eli Manning is a Hall of Fame candidate thanks to the Giants' DL being catalysts for two Super Bowl runs. They've recently drafted two defensive ends in the top five, traded for a starting edge rusher, and paid the best one-technique in the NFL, who was also a first-round pick. The Eagles' pass rush, led by a defensive line that had three first-round picks, tormented Patrick Mahomes in route to a Super Bowl blowout. Washington has seen former top picks Chase Young and Jonathan Allen depart, but still have Daron Payne and continue to invest in the line in free agency and the draft. Dallas just paid Osa Odighizuwa, signed Dante Fowler Jr., drafted a defensive end in the second round three of the past four seasons, and Micah Parsons was a first-round selection. 4. Washington Commanders Dorance Armstrong followed Dan Quinn over from Dallas to become a starting defensive end for the Commanders. He played 60% of the snaps, 600-plus for the first time in his career, and became a solid starter. He achieved his highest totals in QB knockdowns, pressures, and tackles, but his lowest sack total since 2020, and his missed tackle percentage increased by over 10%. His run defense needs to improve. Pro Football Focus graded him at 46.4 against the run compared to a 76.4 pass rush grade and a 68.9 overall grade. Armstrong isn't a star, but he is a positive starter for Washington. The other defensive end spot needs to be upgraded. Clelin Ferrell is a solid edge setter, but doesn't offer much of a pass rusher. Deatrich Wise is a veteran rotational defensive end who is a decent backup. He has averaged 42 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and five tackles for a loss a season. Jacob Martin is another option, but he hasn't been as productive as Ferrell or Wise. The strength of the team has long been the defensive tackle position, featuring Jonathan Allen and Payne. However, Allen signed elsewhere as a free agent, and Payne had a down year in his first season in Quinn's system. Quinn's defenses have difficulty stopping the run, and this issue persisted last year. Washington was the third worst in rush yards allowed and yards per carry. Payne might be in decline due to age and attrition. Allen is going to be replaced by free agent signing Javon Kinlaw and 2024 second-round pick Jer'Zhan Newton. ] Eddie Goldman is the backup for Payne. 3. Philadelphia Eagles The Eagles suffered several losses to their defensive line this offseason, which is why they fell to third in the division. Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, Brandon Graham, and Bryce Huff are a lot of production to replace. Nolan Smith Jr. had a breakout season in his sophomore campaign with 6.5 sacks, eight tackles for a loss, and 15 pressures. The former first-round pick will step in as a starter and is expected to be a quality player. He is a light edge rusher, but had a run defense grade of 77.6 and a missed tackle percentage of only 2.3%. Azeez Ojulari and Joshua Uche have been successful pass rushers, but Uche hasn't been the same since his breakout season in 2022, and Ojulari just hasn't been able to stay healthy. Jalen Carter is a game-changer as a pass rusher and could develop into the next Aaron Donald. He isn't as impactful as a run defender; PFF graded him under 60 against the run. His playmaking ability will raise the play of everyone around him. Jordan Davis has one job: to take on double teams and open up holes for linebackers and one-on-one blocks for Carter. Moro Ojomo is going to try to fill the shoes of Williams. 2. Dallas Cowboys Parsons is everything a team wants in a star pass rusher. He has posted generational numbers that place him in the ranks of Lawrence Taylor and Reggie White, with no less than 12 sacks, 23 QB hits, 41 pressures, 12 tackles for a loss in any season. Osa Odighizuwa is the other lineman with game-changing abilities on the defensive line. His plays behind the line of scrimmage might seem light, with only five tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks, but his 23 QB hits and 33 pressures indicate the type of impact he has in the backfield. The key to Odighizuwa taking the next step could be an improved rotation around him. He played over 850 snaps, accounting for 78% of the defensive snaps on the season. Dante Fowler Jr was a double-digit sack guy for the Commanders and could have another season with 10 or more sacks with Parsons and Odighizuwa taking all the double-team blocks. The young edge rushers rotating with them are all full of potential. If one or more of their second-round picks, Marshawn Kneeland, Donovan Ezeiruaku, or Sam Williams, can be productive defensive ends, their edge unit could be elite. Solomon Thomas was brought in by the new defensive line coach, Aaron Whitecotton, who had previously coached Thomas with the New York Jets. Thomas hasn't lived up to his draft status, but he is a high-character, high-motor player who is in the best shape of his life. Thomas doesn't have to start, but if he can provide productive snaps to allow Odighizuwa to get a rest. Mazi Smith and Jay Toia will be the one-technique tackles next to Odighizuwa and Thomas, and could be the key to how special this defensive line could be. 1. New York Giants Abdul Carter is a ready-made edge rusher who will have an immediate impact from his first snap. He had a 92.4 pass-rush grade and a true pass set pass rush grade of 93, with a pass rush win-rate over 22%. He will start on a team that includes Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns as defensive ends. Burns was acquired via trade last offseason and quietly had another good year. He started every game and had his highest tackle and tackles for a loss total. He added 8.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, eight batted passes, and 34 pressures. The starting duo of Burns and Carter could be one of the best duos in the NFL. Thibodeaux hasn't developed as the Giants had hoped when they drafted him with the fifth overall pick. FA pickup Chauncey Golston had more sacks and tackles for a loss in 2024 than in his first three seasons combined. The Giants could've found an up-and-coming defensive end to rotate in, and that could make them the best edge group in the league. The reason New York is first in these rankings is Dexter Lawrence. He is possibly the best defensive player in the NFL, but he plays one of the least appreciated positions in football, one-technique. His PFF grades are all over 80, and his overall grade is 89.9. In 12 games, he had nine sacks and eight tackles for a loss at a position that is about stopping the run. Lawrence has zero weaknesses, impacting the game with pressures, stopping the run, and his missed tackle percentage was only 4.3%. The team has little besides him at defensive tackle, but they drafted Darius Alexander to be the future DT next to Lawrence. You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or Bluesky @
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Eagles Predicted to Have Multiple Sleeper NFL MVP Candidates
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Coming off a Super Bowl-winning season, the Philadelphia Eagles are expected to be right back in championship contention. As a team, the Eagles are recognized as one of the strongest across the board. But do they have an individual on the roster who is a potential MVP candidate for next year? Recently, Bleacher Report laid out a handful of potential MVP candidates who have crept into "sleeper" territory, based on the odds being laid out by sportsbooks early on in the offseason. With five players listed, the Eagles have two on the board. To no surprise, the candidates are the quarterback Jalen Hurts and the running back Saquon Barkley, who happens to be the only non-passer on the list. "Jalen Hurts' fantastic supporting cast probably cost him MVP consideration in 2024, and that's a shame because the uniquely talented star was the NFL's fifth-highest-rated passer while producing a combined 32 touchdowns. The problem is only 18 of those came through the air, and the tush push doesn't win over too many voters," BR's Brad Gagnon writes. Jalen Hurts (1) of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass during Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Eagles defeated the Chiefs... Jalen Hurts (1) of the Philadelphia Eagles throws a pass during Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Eagles defeated the Chiefs 40-22 MoreHurts is no stranger to the MVP conversation. During the 2022 season, when the Eagles made it to the Super Bowl for the first time with Hurts under center, the quarterback spent many weeks favored to take the award home. Unfortunately, a late-season injury caused him to miss some time, and he lost out. The narrative surrounding Hurts isn't always super positive. Between the tush-push generating so much controversy and the star power surrounding Hurts offering him a ton of help, the Eagles' strong roster-building tends to play against Hurts, causing him to carry the "system QB" label often. Speaking of star power that helped push Hurts and the Eagles forward last season, Saquon Barkley could be in the running for MVP for the second season in a row. "If Barkley can take it another step and actually take down Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing-yardage record this year, the 28-year-old could become the first MVP at his position since Adrian Peterson in 2012," Gagnon wrote. It's hard to argue the idea that MVP is for quarterbacks to lose. Over the past 12 seasons, a quarterback has taken home the award. To no surprise, quarterbacks are currently favored to make it 13 in a row. Barkley shouldn't be doubted, though. His first season in the midnight green was remarkable. In 16 games, he rushed for over 2,000 yards, averaging a career-high 5.8 yards per carry. Barkley had 15 total touchdowns in the regular season and added five more in the playoffs. The Eagles always had a knack for building a strong offensive line, resulting in giving even an average running back a chance to shine more often than not. Once a proven star running back like Barkley got behind the line, records were broken. It would have to take a major step back in order for Barkley not to be on MVP watch throughout his second season in Philadelphia.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Giants' veteran wideout could have career-best season with new quarterback
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) gestures during warm ups before a game between New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Credit: Julian Leshay Guadalupe/ / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) gestures during warm ups before a game between New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024. Credit: Julian Leshay Guadalupe/ / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Giants WR Darius Slayton has been the consummate professional throughout his career in New York. Over the last six years, Slayton has been through each of the team's ups and downs, but has never once complained. His patience for a brighter future is set to be rewarded. The Giants are pairing Slayton with an upgrade at quarterback Slayton signed a three-year, $36 million contract extension with the Giants this offseason despite all signs pointing to a split between the two parties entering free agency. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images The surprising decision from Slayton to re-sign was then accompanied by a major upgrade at quarterback. Advertisement The Giants signed future Hall of Fame quarterback Russell Wilson to a one year deal this offseason, giving them stability and experience at quarterback that they never had during Slayton's first six seasons in the league. The addition of Wilson should have a profound effect on several of the Giants' offensive weapons, including Slayton, who could be in store for a career year. Russell Wilson's deep passing ability could lead to Slayton's breakout Wilson is among the best deep ball passers in the NFL. In 2024, he threw 50 passes 20+ yards downfield, completing 27 (54.0%) for 851 yards and eight touchdowns with two interceptions in only 11 starts. This earned him a 97.3 PFF Deep-Passing Grade, which ranked first in the league. Credit: Anne-Marie Caruso/ / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Throughout his career, arguably the biggest strength in Slayton's skill set has been his deep receiving ability. He is fast and adept at tracking moon balls downfield — Wilson's specialty. Advertisement The best season of Slayton's career came in 2023 when he totaled 770 yards and four touchdowns despite the Giants' overturn at quarterback. When Daniel Jones went down with a season-ending knee injury, it was the presence of Tyrod Taylor in the lineup that sparked Slayton's production. Taylor is an aggressive quarterback who took far more deep shots than Jones. Slayton was the beneficiary, hauling in several long balls, including deep touchdowns against the Rams and the Eagles near the end of the season. Wilson should be able to replicate that aggression this season. With Wilson under center, Slayton is primed for a far more explosive 2025 campaign. Related Headlines
