When the Philadelphia Eagles offense is truly firing on all cylinders, chances are, Saquon Barkley's number is being dialed up plenty.
With a 12-2 record when their star back eclipses the century mark, Barkley powers his way into top-three status in our most important Eagles of the 2026 season, cementing his spot at third overall.
Now entering his third season suiting up in midnight green, the 29-year-old running back continues to earn the praise of players league-wide, recently landing at 34th overall in the top 100 players ranking. And coming off a season considered a bit of a downer by his own sky-high standards - one in which he averaged 4.1 yards a carry for 1,140 yards and seven touchdowns - his drive to return to dominance is undeniable, as his 9th season in the league approaches.
2026 is a statement campaign for Saquon Barkley with the Eagles
A combination of things went south last season for the Eagles' offense, from scheme to playcalling to the A.J. Brown drama and a bruised and battered offensive line. All in all, there was far less breathing room for Barkley to break free for his signature splash plays, causing critics to question whether he can replicate the absolute dominance he showcased back in 2024. Of course, that season included an NFL-record 2,504 total rushing yards in the regular season and playoffs on the way to a Super Bowl win.
For Barkley, the pressure is nothing new, and his drive for greatness keeps him laser-focused entering this season. Speaking with Rob Maaddi of the Associated Press, he revealed that he revels in the added weight of performing in a pressurized environment with such a passionate fanbase:
“I embrace it. I don’t think pressure is a real thing from the outside force,” Barkley said. “You have to hold yourself to a high standard. I know Philly holds us to a higher standard already, but I feel like the way I carry myself and how I train and the standard I hold myself, I fit right into the city and into this fan base. ... You want to win every year. That’s the goal.”
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Set to operate in a new offense, with more under-center action for quarterback Jalen Hurts, Barkley has been drawing rave reviews from training camp. Along with Hurts, he remains a driving force for this offense moving forward, keeping him firmly entrenched as one of the most important Eagles entering 2026.
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