The Philadelphia Eagles broke the habit of a lifetime — well, maybe a few years — and devoted considerable financial resources toward a single running back at the start of free agency. Saquon Barkley, who has spent the first six seasons of his career as a member of NFC East rival New York Giants, has signed for the Eagles on a deal worth up to $46.75m over three years. (As Andrew Brandt is fond of saying, the “real” deal is more likely to be two years and “we’ll see.” But I digress.)

This move is a major departure for the Eagles. The team has adopted a frugal approach to the RB spot ever since a disastrous move for DeMarco Murray in 2015 backfired. Can this latest move for a player who spent his early days playing against the Eagles work out better?

Minor Setback Before a Big Comeback?

Barkley’s 2023 season was something of a letdown, especially after his bounceback 2022 campaign that saw him post a career-high 1,312 rushing yards and his first double-digit touchdown season since his rookie year. Barkley managed 962 rushing yards at 3.9 yards a clip and scored six times on the ground. His fantasy output was boosted somewhat by his receiving work. Barkley commanded a 15% target share, the fifth-best among RBs. He caught 41 of his 60 targets for 280 yards and four touchdowns. All things told Barkley finished as the RB8 in PPR points per game.