It seems like we haven't talked about Saquon Barkley in a while. What's it been? Four or five hours? Don't mind us. We're just clowning around. Seeing 26 in a Philadelphia Eagles uniform has felt like Christmas comes once a week. We could literally talk about him all day.
And, we have during a few.
He's a shoo-in for the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year Award once the Associated Press finds a way to screw him out of the MVP trophy.
For 26, it's been the best year of his career. That's saying A LOT seeing as how he's pieced together at least three seasons most running backs can only dream of having.
How might we be describing Saquon Barkley's career now if the impossible happened and he landed with the Eagles in the first place?
If you're like us, you're wondering what Saquon Barkley's life would have been like had he gotten drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first place. That wouldn't have occurred based on where Philly was scheduled to select, but hang in there. We're going somewhere.
Philly wasn't on the clock until pick 49 in the 2018 NFL Draft. They took Dallas Goedert. That was 47 selections after the New York Giants took Saquon Barkley second overall, so again, Saquon landing in the City of Brotherly Love straight out of the shoot would have been impossible.
But again, this is a fantasy. What if he had been? Can you imagine seeing him run behind Jason Kelce and Jeff Stoutland's offensive line? It kind of makes you feel like we've all been robbed, doesn't it?
Still, in a bad situation with the G-Men, despite season-ending injuries and being on bad teams, he managed a spot on the 2018 NFL PFWA All-Rookie Team. He also earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and two Pro Bowl nods (2018, 2022).
But, how about that first season in Philly?
ESPN Fantasy crowns Saquon Barkley while Penn State names him NFL Player of the Year.
Discussing the brilliance we have seen from Saquon during his first season in Philly would require a second story and 500 more words. He's been a joy to watch, leading the NFL in rushing yards during his first season in green.
He's added another Pro Bowl mention, his third. He has been named a First-Team All-Pro.
And, the hits keep coming.
ESPN Fantasy football names him the MVP for the 2024 season. His alma mater, Penn State, named him NFL Player of the Year.
The fantasy king of 2024 👑🦅 pic.twitter.com/dCMnEfZhkp
— ESPN Fantasy Sports (@ESPNFantasy) January 16, 2025
Best in the League. 🏆#WeAre x @Saquon pic.twitter.com/DS75FOLUUg
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) January 16, 2025
It didn't take long, but Saquon will forever be remembered as an Eagle now, not a Giant. It's been fun, and we look forward to seeing what comes next.