Career Timeline of Saquon Barkley: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Saquon Barkley made an impact.

Saquon Barkley is a professional American football running back currently playing for the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL. He gained prominence during his college football career at Penn State University, where he established numerous school records in just three seasons. He then decided to enter the NFL draft, foregoing his senior year.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2004: Terrell Owens' Debut

In 2004, Terrell Owens became the first Eagles player to score three touchdowns in his debut with the team.

September 22, 2020: Placed on Injured Reserve

On September 22, 2020, Saquon Barkley was placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament, which ended his 2020 season.

2020: Ranked 31st on NFL Top 100 Players of 2020

In 2020, Saquon Barkley finished his sophomore season as the only running back in Giants' history to have 1,000 rushing yards in their first two seasons. He was also ranked 31st by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2020.

April 28, 2021: Fifth-Year Option Picked Up

On April 28, 2021, the Giants picked up the fifth-year option on Saquon Barkley's contract, worth a guaranteed $7.217 million for the 2022 season.

2022: Finished Season with 1,312 Rushing Yards and Named to Pro Bowl

In 2022, Saquon Barkley finished the season with 295 carries for 1,312 rushing yards and ten rushing touchdowns to go along with 57 receptions for 338 receiving yards. He also finished fourth in the NFL and first in the NFC in rushing yards, and was named to the Pro Bowl.

2022: Guaranteed salary for the 2022 season

In 2022, Saquon Barkley had his guaranteed $7.217 million salary for the season as the Giants picked up the fifth-year option on his contract on April 28, 2021.

March 7, 2023: Giants Placed Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag on Barkley

On March 7, 2023, the Giants placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Saquon Barkley. He later signed the franchise tag after adjustments were made.

2023: Finished the 2023 season with 962 rushing yards

In 2023, Saquon Barkley finished the season with 247 carries for 962 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns to go with 41 receptions for 280 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns in 14 games and starts.

March 13, 2024: Signed Deal with the Philadelphia Eagles

On March 13, 2024, Saquon Barkley signed a three-year $37.75 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, with $26 million guaranteed over the first two years. He cited feeling "disrespected" by the Giants' negotiation tactics.

September 6, 2024: Eagles Debut

On September 6, 2024, Saquon Barkley made his Eagles debut, rushing for 109 yards with two rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown in a 34–29 victory over the Green Bay Packers, becoming the first Eagles player to score three touchdowns in their debut with the team since Terrell Owens in 2004. His performance earned him NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

March 4, 2025: Signed Contract Extension with the Eagles

On March 4, 2025, Saquon Barkley signed a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension with the Eagles that includes $36 million guaranteed and up to $15 million more in incentives. The guaranteed salary amount and its average dollars per year ($20.6 million) made Barkley the highest paid running back in NFL history.

June 2025: Madden 26 Cover Athlete

In June 2025, Saquon Barkley was revealed as the cover athlete for Madden 26, becoming the second Eagle after Donovan McNabb for Madden 06 to grace the cover.