Saquon Barkley arrived in the 2024 season as the most electrifying running back in the league, turning 482 touches into a historic output that placed him at the top of fantasy rankings.
A year later, the same workload appears to have taken its toll. In 2025 he managed 1,413 yards and nine touchdowns, a steep drop from the previous year’s numbers, and his yards‑per‑carry fell from 5.8 to 4.1.
The dip is not isolated; only 13.3 % of backs who handled a similarly high volume managed to stay above their prior‑season PPR averages, underscoring the risk that comes with heavy usage.
Within the Eagles’ backfield, Tank Bigsby has begun to carve out a role as a high‑end handcuff, posting a 5.9‑yard average per carry behind the same line that limited Barkley.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ offense remains potent, often ranking among the league’s top scoring units, which bodes well for any back who can stay healthy and productive.
Speed metrics add another layer to the story: Barkley’s fastest ballcarrier speed in 2025 was 21.87 mph, just shy of his 2024 peak of 21.93 mph, suggesting that while his burst is still elite, it may be slightly diminished.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Analysts project a substantial workload for Barkley in 2026, betting that the Eagles will continue to lean on his skill set despite the wear and tear.
If he can rebound to his 2024 form, the impact on both the team’s ground game and fantasy lineups could be immediate.
Meanwhile, other backs such as Will Shipley, Dameon Pierce, Ian Hartitz and Chase Brown remain on the radar as potential contributors or insurance options.