Ravens' Saquon Barkley dream ends as Eagles sign former Giants star
By Mike Luciano
The Baltimore Ravens, once thought to be a lock to sign a high-end running back in free agency, are now seeing their options dwindle. After the Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers agreed to contracts with Tony Pollard and Josh Jacobs, respectively, Saquon Barkley confirmed his next destination.
After trying and failing to get a long-term deal worked out with the Giants, Barkley signed a three-year, $38 million contract that could be worth as much as $47 million with incentives. This makes Barkley one of the highest-paid running backs in the league, which takes yet another name off Baltimore's plate.
The Ravens need to come up with a plan that gives Jackson the appropriate level of support in the backfield, as they are running out of high-end backs who could make a difference. Even if Barkley was an expensive option, losing him to Philly is still a tough pill for the Ravens to swallow.
Former Giants RB Saquon Barkley reached agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year, $37.75 million contract that could be worth up to $46.75M and includes $26M fully guaranteed at signing, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2024
Barkley now beats the franchise tag number and has a maximum… pic.twitter.com/d2TnEWhaQ0
Baltimore Ravens miss out on Saquon Barkley as Eagles sign star RB
Barkley has topped 1,200 yards from scrimmage and scored at least 10 touchdowns in each of the last two seasons despite some horrid quarterback play and poor offensive lines. Going to Philadelphia gives him a huge upgrade in both of those areas, even without the presence of Jason Kelce.
The Ravens are already slightly over the salary cap, and they likely didn't want to commit such a gigantic sum of money to a back with his injury concerns. With so many other areas to address, Baltimore needed to do everything it could to remain financially flexible in this make-or-break season.
Internal options like Gus Edwards and JK Dobbins are still on the table, and Eric DeCosta has said that he wants to retain both of those players. While solid, it might be tough for fans to swallow a return after being linked to so many big names this offseason.
Derrick Henry is still out there, and Baltimore was likely never going to pay Barkley that sort of money, but fans might get a bit nervous about their weapons if the Ravens don't make a move soon.
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