When the Philadelphia Eagles signed Saquon Barkley in the 2024 NFL offseason, they made an unusual betpaying big money for a running back in the belief that, if he finally had an elite supporting cast, the former New York Giants star could rediscover magical heights. After at least 12 weeks, the bet has undoubtedly 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 playmakers 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 up LeSean McCoy’s single. . -Eagles’ rushing record for the season. 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 who share the workload.
Barkley has been so good so many times, reliably driving (and politely upstaging) an elite passing arsenal led by Jalen Hurts, AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith, that it’s safe to say he’s not only enjoying one of the best debuts of the Eagles of all time. . He is also having one of the best debuts any team acquisition in recent NFL history. Here’s a ranking of other legendary instant impact veterans:
honorable mention
Rams QB Matthew Stafford (2021), 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)
10. Eagles WR AJ Brown (2022)
Brown’s arrival from the Tennessee Titans via trade helped take quarterback Jalen Hurts from solid to spectacular. His 1,496 yards set a franchise single-season record, giving Philadelphia its most impressive No. 1 receiver in nearly a decade. It was no coincidence that the Birds advanced to Super Bowl LVII this year.
9. Eagles RB Saquon Barkley (2024)
The scariest part is that Barkley still has a quarter of the season left and is already approaching 1,700 yards from scrimmage with 12 touchdowns, despite missing a series of goal-line touches due to the “Tush Push.” ” by the Eagles. He has easily been the most reliable and explosive weapon on one of the best teams in the NFL.
Despite questions about his health following an esteemed career with the Indianapolis Colts, the future Hall of Famer instantly elevated Denver from a struggling contender to an AFC power, leading the NFL in completion rate ( 68.6) with 37 scoring strikes at age 36, paving the way. for two possible Super Bowl bids.
7. Terrell Owens, Eagles wide receiver (2004)
Owens’ colorful character didn’t last in Philadelphia, but Eagles fans will never forget his striking arrival from the San Francisco 49ers. An instant deep passing monster who helped Donovan McNabb enjoy his best season in the air, he also bounced back from an injury late in the year to star in the club’s bid to Super Bowl XXXIX.
6. Saints quarterback Drew Brees (2006)
Rejected by the Miami Dolphins in free agency due to durability concerns, the former San Diego Chargers signal-caller helped restore New Orleans’ hopes a year after Hurricane Katrina devastated the area. His 4,418 passing yards led the NFL, helping the Saints reach their first NFC championship game.
5. Reggie White Packers (1993)
Widely considered the face of modern free agency, the longtime Eagles icon quickly became the heartbeat of Green Bay, racking up 13 sacks and being named Defensive Player of the Year as the anchor of a top-10 defense. which fueled the Packers’ first playoff berth. in more than a decade.
4. Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss (2007)
Moss was already a superstar entering his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings, but he peaked while teaming with Tom Brady, setting a single-season record with 23 touchdown receptions. His elite straight-line speed helped New England to a perfect 16-0 regular season, ending with a Super Bowl bid.
3. 49ers CB Deion Sanders (1994)
“Prime Time” joined the San Francisco juggernaut and did even better, recording a staggering 303 return yards on six interceptions, including three pick-sixes, before recording two more picks in the playoffs. Named Defensive Player of the Year, his flashy coverage skills helped the 49ers win Super Bowl XXIX.
Some expected the 20-year-old New England Patriots legend to fade away at age 43, signing with the often downtrodden Buccaneers. Instead, he scored 40 touchdowns (and another 10 in the playoffs) with a rejuvenated arm, leading Tampa Bay to Super Bowl LV, where he won MVP and defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, winning a seventh title as possibly the better. the most decisive quarterback who ever did it.
1. Rams RB Marshall Faulk (1999)
Traded from the Indianapolis Colts after five seasons, Faulk exploded during one of the most prolific running back seasons in NFL history as the catalyst for St. Louis’ “Greatest Show on Turf,” setting an NFL record for yards totals from scrimmage (2,429). ), with 1,048 as a catcher for league MVP Kurt Warner. The future Hall of Famer would seal the 1999 exhibition with a victory in Super Bowl XXXIV.
