Following a remarkable Super Bowl run with the Philadelphia Eagles, running back Saquon Barkley has spoken candidly about his 2024 free agency, revealing that major NFC East teams never came calling.
Fans assumed the top-tier talent would spark a bidding war, but Barkley’s experience tells a different story.
“Never heard a word from the Commanders or Dallas,” Barkley said in a casual chat during teammate DeVonta Smith’s charity softball event, streamed via Twitch with host “Janky Rondo” (#jankyrondo).
The former No. 2 overall pick added a biting quip: “That’s why it’s BTA [belt to a**] when I see them.”
A superstar feeling undervalued, then vindicated
Barkley, drafted by the New York Giants in 2018, quickly became the cornerstone of their offense.
Despite his early dominance, the relationship deteriorated. He ultimately left New York for Philadelphia on a threeyear, $37.75 million contract in March 2024, after expressing disappointment over the Giants letting him test the free agent market.
Once in green and white, Barkley flourished. He erupted for 2,005 rushing yards, ranked eighth in a single season, and earned FirstTeam AllPro recognition, along with a cover of Madden 26.
A Super Bowl victory over Kansas City followed, and he secured a new twoyear, $41.2 million extension.
Despite this dominance, Barkley’s admission highlights that Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders showed no interest in signing him last spring, a revelation that surprised many fans.
Why the silence from Dallas and Washington?
The lack of outreach raises questions about the shifting undervaluation of running backs in today’s NFL.
While Barkley was the top free agent, teams are increasingly cautious about investing heavily in the position. For example, Derrick Henry commanded a modest one-year deal after leading the league in rushing.
It’s not just about cost, team strategies, injury concerns, and roster philosophies play a role. Dallas chose not to pursue Barkley despite losing Tony Pollard, later pursuing Derrick Henry. Meanwhile, Washington’s front office seemingly made no overt effort to recruit him.
In response to Barkley’s revelation, fans expressed surprise, and pride in his performance against both teams. Last season, he piled up 233 yards against Dallas and an incredible 296 yards with four touchdowns across matchups with Washington.
A star’s impact amid changing market dynamics
Despite being overlooked by divisional rivals, Barkley’s impact in Philadelphia has been undeniable. Beyond personal stats, he became the heartbeat of an offense that surged into Super Bowl contention.
His story echoes others like Derrick Henry, elite backs who found new life and production after being undervalued.
That dynamic highlights a broader NFL lesson: undervaluing the running back position can come with steep costs. Barkley’s success stands as proof, while the silence from Washington and Dallas now seems like a major miscalculation.
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