The Philadelphia Eagles have made headlines by signing running back Saquon Barkley to a stunning two-year contract extension worth $41.2 million, establishing him as the highest-paid running back in NFL history. This deal is particularly noteworthy as it makes Barkley the first running back to surpass $20 million per year, with an additional $15 million available through incentives and escalators. This extension comes just a year into Barkley’s previous three-year contract, reflecting the Eagles' confidence in his performance after a stellar season that contributed to their Super Bowl victory.

Despite concerns about the wear and tear on running backs as they age, Barkley demonstrated exceptional ability during the previous season, maintaining his status as a top fantasy commodity. His skill in breaking away from defenders and accumulating yards positions him as a high-upside option for fantasy players heading into the 2025 season.