NFL World Reacts to Saquon Barkley's New Record-Breaking Contract After Historic Year

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley on Feb 9, 2025. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia Eagles and star Saquon Barkley have agreed to a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Tuesday, making the 28-year-old the highest paid running back in NFL history. Of that $41.2 million, $36 million is fully guaranteed at signing.

Barkley is fresh off a 2,000+ yard season that propelled the Birds to the Super Bowl, during which he also notched a win for Offensive Player of the Year. He captivated the entire league with his record-breaking performance, and it would seem basically everyone in the NFL world is in awe and support of this well-deserved new deal.

Check out that reaction below:

👀 https://t.co/DP2lbNXo8P
— James Cook (@thegreat__4) March 4, 2025

Saquon on a 12 month HEATERRR.

Well-deserved my friend, well deserved.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) March 4, 2025

MOOD IN PHILLY 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/FhG3KuSJtd
— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2025

It will be very interesting to see if there is any short-term flexibility afforded to the #Eagles in this deal.

Barkley is more than deserving to reset the RB market, but doing it this early might have incentive for the team as well. https://t.co/mcipUjdXWs
— EJ Smith (@EJSmith94) March 4, 2025

Every RB in the NFL going up to their agent like this after the Saquon deal: pic.twitter.com/0i8mUWxlWV
— Sleeper (@SleeperHQ) March 4, 2025

Derrick Henry after seeing Saquon Barkley’s extension pic.twitter.com/kPVqlouRU1
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) March 4, 2025

Organizations fail players as much as/more than players fail organizations.

See one… Saquon Barkley… before he joined Philly, and now after.

🏆 💰
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) March 4, 2025

Regardless of cap or conversations about roster flexibility. This is so well deserved. Saquon Barkley did more than just rack up historic numbers… his impact within the organization was critical in just his 1st year. He deserves the 💰. Howie Roseman and @Eagles did him right. https://t.co/xctn5y7xXU
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) March 4, 2025

The running back market is back. What a year for Saquon Barkley. https://t.co/88XAE8WmVo
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 4, 2025

Saquon Barkley to the “running backs don’t matter” crowd. https://t.co/qv7crNsYKe pic.twitter.com/GGkQarbaJQ
— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) March 4, 2025

bro just had one of the best season of all time and INSTANTLY got rewarded. W Eagles front office. https://t.co/3xnq4ENxyM
— IcyVert (@IcyVert) March 4, 2025

I've changed my stance on paying running backs w/new evidence over the last few seasons. If you've got the pieces in place and the back is the final piece for the offense you should make that deal. Barkley is not valuable to the Giants but is hugely valuable to the Eagles. https://t.co/7ygkegnNQX
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) March 4, 2025

Good for Saquon, man https://t.co/xuKCnhOs5Y
— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) March 4, 2025

Austin Ekeler after arranging that zoom call for RB rights: https://t.co/99UXVOfrW7 pic.twitter.com/fEGXMFR3AY
— Carter Donnick (@CDonnick1) March 4, 2025