JUST IN:Howie Roseman finally explain why he signed a deal worth 35.9 million deal in a running back
In Orlando, at the NFL’s annual league meetings, the Eagles caused a stir this offseason by securing a free agent running back with a contract at the top end of the market.
General manager Howie Roseman took the opportunity to elucidate the rationale behind signing Saquon Barkley. “We believe it’s challenging to discover exceptional players in any role,” Roseman remarked. “We view Saquon as an exceptional player and an exceptional individual. When you’re searching for such individuals, they’re rare, particularly in free agency.”
The discussion revolves around whether the running back position has been undervalued in the NFL, with players typically touching the ball around 300 times a year, potentially impacting the game significantly. The Eagles have been at the forefront of this trend.
However, in their pursuit of adding a game-changing offensive talent, they opted to sign Barkley to a three-year, $37.75 million contract, instead of investing in players like D’Andre Swift or Tony Pollard at a lower cost. Barkley, when healthy, is undoubtedly a standout player. Nonetheless, this deal carries some risk, considering Barkley’s age (27) and his considerable workload over the past three seasons, ranking fifth in offensive touches in the NFL.
The Eagles have thoroughly considered these factors,” Roseman emphasized. “Barkley is not reaching an age where concerns about longevity typically arise; he’s only turning 27 this season. We’ve carefully assessed his workload, recognizing its significance.
However, Barkley’s exceptional athleticism, evident in his testing numbers and GPS speed data, along with his dedicated training regimen, give us confidence in his ability to perform at a high level. When Barkley is at his peak, he’s an outstanding player, evident by his two Pro Bowl seasons and his versatility. He possesses the ability to both evade tackles and power through defenders, making him a valuable asset for our team in 2024.
Additionally, his proficiency in pass protection and his versatility as a receiver further enhance his value to our offense.”
While it might be unfair to draw direct parallels, the impact of adding an elite back, such as Christian McCaffrey for the 49ers, has significantly altered the offensive dynamic in San Francisco. The Eagles are undoubtedly hoping for a similar transformative effect from Barkley’s presence on their roster.
Roseman countered the notion on Monday that the Eagles have not invested significantly in running backs by citing two past examples: Brian Westbrook’s contract signed before Roseman became GM and an extension for LeSean McCoy in the 2012 season.
However, both instances occurred over a decade ago and involved contracts for players developed within the organization, highlighting a departure from recent trends.
Roseman’s endorsement of Barkley suggests a shift in strategy, indicating his belief in Barkley’s value. Time will tell if this belief proves to be justified.
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