Saquon Barkley has disappointed in 2025 after a record-setting 2024 season that saw him earn a two-year, $41,200,000 contract extension.
Barkley rushed for over 2,000 yards in 2024 while appearing in only 16 games, in addition to his impact in the receiving game. While Barkley is one of many scapegoats on the 2025 Eagles offense, the team's offensive woes cannot be placed on one player.
In a recent ESPN power rankings article, the Eagles were ranked sixth, with Eagles beat reporter Tim McManus naming Barkley an X-Factor for the remaining five games on the calendar.
"The reigning Offensive Player of the Year has had a difficult time getting going in 2025. He is on pace for 1,048 rushing yards, just about half of his production from his record-breaking 2024 season (2,005). He has faced more stacked boxes and is running behind an offensive line that hasn't been as buttoned up as last season's group. The ground game is vital to Philadelphia's operation. The Eagles need to figure out how to unlock Barkley if they have designs on making another run."
Barkley has to figure out how to get going in Eagles' offense
The Eagles' offensive line has struggled mightily this season, especially in the interior. Tyler Steen has failed to match Mekhi Becton's play, while Cam Jurgens and Landon Dickerson have dealt with injuries. Also injured now is future Hall of Famer Lane Johnson, who may miss the remainder of the season.
The Eagles gave Barkley an expensive extension that provided stability for the 2024 offensive player of the year, both in the long term and financially, based on his performance in his first year in Philadelphia. 12 games into 2025, the Eagles are now looking for their return on their investment.
While it's inevitable that Barkley will "slow down," the drop off is nothing like what the Eagles have expected. Barkley has only eclipsed 100 rushing yards once this season and is averaging 3.7 yards per carry. Currently, Barkley has three years remaining on his contract and is owed $51.2 million.
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The Eagles' ground game is vital to their success moving forward, with Barkley the key piece that drives it. Their next matchup against the Chargers will have Barkley facing a run defense that has allowed 106.9 yards per game. If Barkley isn't able to get the Eagles going, Philadelphia may be looking at a quick exit once the playoffs come around.