Saquon Barkley takeover: Where Eagles RB ranks among top 10 free agent debuts in recent NFL history

When the Philadelphia Eagles signed Saquon Barkley in the 2024 NFL offseason, they took an uncharacteristic gamble, paying top dollar for a running back with the belief that, finally provided an elite supporting cast, the former New York Giants star might rediscover magical heights. After 12 weeks at least, the bet has unequivocally paid off; not only is Barkley the centerpiece of another playoff-bound Eagles attack, but he’s easily one of, if not the, most explosive playmaker in the entire league.

Leading the NFL with 1,392 rushing yards — already a career high for the former Offensive Rookie of the Year — while averaging 6.2 yards per carry and exploding for six different 40-yard runs, Barkley is just 215 yards away from breaking LeSean McCoy’s single-season Eagles rushing record. And he passes the eye test with flying colors: He makes every touch count, producing countless home runs with almost zero strikeouts, all while serving as a cheerleader for teammates sharing the workload.

Barkley’s been so good so often, reliably jumpstarting — and politely overshadowing — an elite passing arsenal headlined by Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith — that it’s safe to say he’s not just enjoying one of the best Eagles debuts of all time. He’s also having one of the best debuts by any team’s acquisition in recent NFL history. Here’s a ranking of other legendary instant-impact veterans:

Honorable mention

Chiefs RB Priest Holmes (2001), Colts RB Eric Dickerson (1986), Falcons RB Michael Turner (2008), Jets RB Curtis Martin (1998), Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (2010), Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill (2022), Jets C Kevin Mawae (1998), Cowboys CB Deion Sanders (1995)

After 12 illustrious but laborious seasons with the Detroit Lions, Stafford uncorked one deep ball after another as coach Sean McVay’s prized trade acquisition, leading the NFL with 41 touchdowns, then outdueling the Cincinnati Bengals…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/saquon-barkley-takeover-where-eagles-rb-ranks-among-top-10-free-agent-debuts-in-recent-nfl-history/

Author : Cody Benjamin

Publish date : 2024-11-25 17:24:00

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