Saquon Barkley makes his intentions clear for the 2025 Eagles season
The New York Giants allowed their best player out the door, allowing him to sign with their biggest rival. We all saw it with our own eyes. Saquon Barkley joined the Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year deal.
How did that work out? He became only the ninth NFL player to eclipse 2,000 yards rushing. If Philadelphia had allowed him to play in the regular-season finale, he would have broken Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record. No one is talking us out of this.
Overall health was the priority, however. The Eagles determined that placing Barkley in harm's way wasn't worth the risk. Philadelphia had its eyes on Super Bowl glory, and in the end, we learned they made the correct decision.
Barkley eventually broke Terrell Davis's record for combined yardage by an NFL player during the regular and postseason. The Birds won football's biggest game. The Eagles tacked a two-year extension on their star tailback's current deal. Now comes the question. What does one do for an encore after that?
No one has to guess. Barkley spoke with the media at training camp and made his intentions known.
Barkley makes his goals for the coming Eagles season crystal clear
So, what's been on Barkley's mind? Is it becoming the first player in NFL history to crack the 2,000-yard plateau twice? During a sit-down with the media at training camp, he addressed that possibility.
"Why is it so hard for a 2,000 rusher to do it again? Because it's so hard to do it in general. There's only nine of us to have ever done it... I got to sign a helmet the other day where it was every 2,000-yard rusher, and the crazy thing is, that would never be able to happen again with OJ passing away. The reason why it's hard to do it twice is because it's hard to do it the first time, and it's a crazy thing to even mention with those guys."
So, he's given it some thought. That's understandable. Who wouldn't? But, after landing atop the mountain with his Eagles teammates this past February, the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year has loftier goals.
"2,000 yards is not the goal. It's winning the Super Bowl and going out there and performing at a high level. I didn't come in with the mindset last year to rush for 2,000 yards. It kind of just happened. So, just stay in the moment, take care of the little things, be consistent with my process, and be obsessive with my process, and make sure nothing's non-negotiable."
Year one was unforgettable. Year two of the Barkley experience is loading. No longer will he be remembered as a Giant. Let's enjoy this ride, regardless of where it takes all of us.
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