When Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley signed a three-year, $37.8 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency, both sides agreed to a plethora of incentives that would increase the value of his deal.
One incentive that was not included in potential bonuses? Touchdowns scored.
While most running backs get non-surprising incentives based on the amount of times they score, or yards ran during a year, the Eagles and Barkley knew that the way the offense was run showed that touchdown incentive wasn't necessary.
Through the first 10 games during the 2024 season, both sides are showing exactly why.
"According to NFL Research, Barkley has been tackled at the 1- or 2-yard line 11 times this season, most in the NFL," Ian Rappaport reported Sunday morning.
The full list of Barkley's incentives are below:
- 1,500 rushing and receiving yards combined (he's already at 1,347), he'll earn a $250,000 incentive.
- $250,000 for 2,000 total yards (the amount earned from his yardage incentive would also be added to his 2025 salary as an escalator).
- 2,000 combined yards would net him $1 million total.
- For a first-team All-Pro selection, Barkley earns a $500,000 incentive.
- A second-team honor or being voted into the Pro Bowl would earn him $250,000.
- Barkley also has up to $500,000 tied to the Eagles' postseason performance.
Thanks to the Tush Push and Jalen Hurts ability to execute the play, Barkley's touchdown total this season is a lot lower than it could be. It does, however, show that the Eagles made sure to keep the runner well-protected and paid.
So far, both sides have to be loving how the deal looks.
