Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Saquon Barkley Declares Himself NFL's Best RB, Says 2025 Begins His Prime

In a Sports Illustrated interview, he challenges the running back pay slide by blaming team decision-makers after big contracts were followed by injuries.

Image
Image
Image
Aug 16, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley before a game against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Overview

  • He says he is the league's best back, while calling Bijan Robinson the most talented and praising Jahmyr Gibbs as a rising star.
  • He frames 2025 as the start of his prime and says he wants to tap into a Tiger Woods–style mindset focused on constant elevation.
  • He enters the season off a 2024 campaign with 2,005 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns, an Offensive Player of the Year award, and a Super Bowl run with Philadelphia.
  • He faults owners and general managers for seeking “cheaper value,” cites the franchise tags for him and Josh Jacobs, and says he is not alleging collusion.
  • He is under a reported two-year, $41.2 million extension and is set to open the title defense against the Cowboys on September 4.