Saquon Barkley’s 2025 season wasn’t the kind of year that matched the standard he set in 2024, but the bar for a bounce-back in Philadelphia may not be as high as it looks.
Barkley finished last season with 1,140 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging 4.1 yards per carry. That followed his massive 2024 campaign, when he piled up 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns. So when The Athletic’s Zach Berman was asked about what Barkley and the Eagles’ run game might look like in 2026, he put a clear floor on the production.
“As much attention as the Eagles’ passing struggles received in 2025, I actually think the offseason changes had more to do with trying to unlock the running game. The Eagles felt there were yards left on the field last season, and I expect this to be a run-oriented offense.
The wide-zone blocking scheme and more under-center runs will be the most noticeable differences. This question comes down to the health of the offensive line.
If the top players are healthy, I expect the Eagles to run the ball effectively. And if the Eagles run the ball effectively, Saquon Barkley’s production will reflect as much.
Among the top 10 running backs in the NFL last season, Bijan Robinson, De’Von Achane, Kyren Williams and Christian McCaffrey all played in offenses with roots from the system that Mannion will run in Philadelphia. Williams rushed for 1,252 yards on 259 carries. I think both of those numbers should be considered the floor for Barkley this season.”
If Barkley landed at 1,252 yards in 2026, that would still rank as the fourth-best rushing season of his nine-year career. A 4.8 yards-per-carry average would also check in as the third-best mark he’s posted. And that yardage total would have ranked sixth in the NFL last season.
For a 29-year-old back, that’s a strong season - especially after the dip Barkley took in 2025. It would also be a meaningful step back toward the level he showed the year before.
There are still variables that could push the number lower, though, including what happens with offensive coordinator Sean Mannion and how much Tank Bigsby gets involved. Eagles fans want to see Bigsby more in the offense, but the bigger issue is Barkley getting back above the 4.1 yards per carry he posted last season.
If he does that, the numbers should take care of themselves. And if Barkley keeps producing at that level, there won’t be much reason for anyone in Philadelphia to complain about keeping him around longer.
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