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3w ago

Saquon Barkley Crowns Himself NFL’s Best RB, Challenges Teams on Running Back Pay

Fresh off a 2,005‑yard, Offensive Player of the Year season for the champion Eagles, he used a Sports Illustrated interview to cast 2025 as the start of his prime.

Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up prior to the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lincoln Financial Field on August 7, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Bengals 34-27.
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Overview

  • Barkley told Sports Illustrated he is entering his prime and said he is trying to tap into his "Tiger" side, invoking Tiger Woods as a mindset model.
  • He declared himself the league’s best running back but said Bijan Robinson is the most talented and also praised Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs.
  • Coming off 2,005 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns and OPOY honors, he was central to Philadelphia’s Super Bowl run after a workload the team has since managed carefully.
  • He criticized a devaluation narrative around running backs, attributing it to owners and GMs seeking cheaper deals after “three to four” big‑money backs were injured.
  • He remains under a reported two‑year, $41.2 million extension with Philadelphia, and one TV analyst has predicted another 2,000‑yard season, framing it as a bold forecast.