Saquon Barkley becoming highest-paid RB catches James Cook’s attention after Eagles show league how it’s done

Saquon Barkley made good on the Philadelphia Eagles' belief by having stellar year topping it off with a Super Bowl win.

Saquon Barkley becoming highest-paid RB catches James Cook’s attention after Eagles show league how it’s done

James Cook will likely use Saquon Barkley's massive contract Philadelphia Eagles contract as reference (Image via Bleacher Report/X)

One year ago, Saquon Barkley was lost as he started to accept the fact that the New York Giants did not want him anymore. Even when he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, many claimed his contract was not going to be worth it considering how running backs were being valued.

In the 2024-2025 season, he almost broke the single season rushing record. He broke the postseason yards record and played every single game on his way to lifting Super Bowl LIX. Those accomplishments were essentially a slap in the face for those that routinely undervalued the running back position.

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Thankfully, his peers helped him make a statement as the likes of Derrick Henry, James Cook and others had a good season. Now, the Philadelphia Eagles have doubled down on their original commitment and informed league Insiders of their next move.

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Eagles are rewarding Saquon Barkley with a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension that makes him the highest-paid running back in NFL history, per sources. Barkley also has the ability to earn an additional $15 million in incentives and escalators. The deal includes $36 million fully guaranteed at signing.

Adam Schefter wrote via X

The ESPN Insider added that this deal makes Saquon Barkley the first running back in NFL history to earn $20 million plus a season. By signing this deal one week before free agency starts, the Philadelphia Eagles are showing the league how they do business.

James Cook’s ears perk watching Saquon Barkley become highest paid RB

The Philadelphia Eagles have essentially pushed the onus back on to the rest of the league. They have erased four seasons’ worth of the ‘running backs don’t matter’ philosophy team owners and GMs touted. This new deal will have lasting effects on the rest of the league as running back’s take note.

Saquon Barkley has hurdled himself to become the highest-paid running back in league history
Saquon Barkley has hurdled himself to become the highest-paid running back in league history (Image via Philadelphia Eagles/X)

Good business!

James Cook wrote on X

That was Buffalo Bills running back James Cook, who reposted the Saquon Barkley deal news. The 25-year-old might not have had a stellar season last year but is still considered one of the better running backs in the league.

His contract is up for an extension next season. With this development, he will hope to get a good deal. He is a full two years younger than Barkley and could have a longer future with the Bills. However, he might not be worth anywhere close to what the highest-paid RB gets.

Barkley will earn more than $20 million. The next highest paid is Christian McCaffrey at $19 million. However, both are back-to-back offensive players of the years. If James Cook wants to reach their standards, he will have to prove his worth this upcoming 2025-26 season.

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