After cutting Darius Slay from the team, the Philadelphia Eagles have secured Saquon Barkley's future, signing the prized running back to a two-year, $41.2 million extension contract. The bumper deal makes Barkley the best-paid running back in NFL history, overtaking all his predecessors in the position.

The deal, according to sources, contains $36 million guaranteed upon signing.

Barkley's Historic Payday

Saquon Barkley Secures Historic $41.2M Extension with Eagles, Becomes NFL’s Saquon Barkley Secures Historic $41.2M Extension with Eagles, Becomes NFL’s
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With a career average annual salary of over $20 million, Barkley creates a new standard for running back pay. His extension is a reflection of his dominant play during the season, which included him breaking records and guiding the Eagles on a deep playoff run, ESPN notes.

After the news was announced, Barkley went to social media to say thanks. "Overflow! Thankful to the Eagles organization, staff, and incredible fans in Philly. Fly Eagles Fly," he shared on X.

Record-Breaking Season for Barkley

Barkley's extension comes after a record-breaking season in which he ran for 2,504 yards during the regular season and playoffs. This feat shattered the single-season rushing record set by Hall of Famer Terrell Davis. He also narrowly missed breaking Eric Dickerson's 2,105-yard regular-season rushing record.

The Eagles decided to sit their starters in the last game against Barkley's previous team, the New York Giants, short of the record by 101 yards.

Despite that, his influence on the Eagles' offense could not be denied. His ground-dominating ability and contribution as a receiver made him an integral component of the team's Super Bowl bid.

Eagles Made Sure Barkley Gets Some Love For a Running Back

The Eagles' move to sign Barkley for just one year into his initial three-year, $38 million contract is unusual in the NFL. Traditionally, Philadelphia has been conservative in committing large sums to running backs, usually favoring other skill positions. But they recognized a market inefficiency—running back salaries had fallen well behind other offensive spots.

Prior to Barkley's extension, the league's top-paid running back, Christian McCaffrey, was making $16 million annually. Meanwhile, 16 wide receivers were bringing in at least $20 million per year.

Seeing Barkley's rare talent and workload, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman had a chance to reset the market.

Parris Campbell said last year that Barkley was better than McCaffrey. For the context, the two were teammates in the New York Giants.

"Has the pendulum swung so far at this position? The guy touches the ball 300 times a year, hopefully," Roseman said last March. "There aren't many other skill players with that kind of impact."