On Tuesday, the Philadelphia Eagles further secured their future with running back Saquon Barkley by agreeing to a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension with the 28-year-old running back.
Well wishes poured in for Barkley on social media and a message came from one of Barkley's biggest supporters, teammate Lane Johnson.
The 34-year-old offensive tackle is a two-time Super Bowl champion and two-time first-team All-Pro who joined the Eagles as the team's No. 4 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
A six-time Pro Bowler, Johnson paved the way for Barkley's historic 2024 season where the 6-foot, 233-pound back rushed for a career-best 2,005 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on 345 carries.
Johnson said, "Well-deserved," on social media, tagging his teammate and sending a flexed biceps emoji.
Johnson graded 85.4 on Pro Football Focus last year, seventh-best among 141 qualified offensive tackles. According to PFF's stats, he didn't allow a sack and gave up just one QB hit.
In a flurry of moves to stay under the salary cap, Philadelphia announced over the last two days that it would release cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry, saving roughly $6 million in cap space for next year.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26), offensive tackle Lane Johnson (65)
© Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
So, while extending Barkley on one hand, the Eagles are moving on from players to remain cap-compliant in the future.
The Eagles have a significant $59.9 million dead cap in 2025, the second-most in the NFL.
