Pressure in the Backfield: Saquon Barkley’s Role Shrinks as Eagles Turn to Backfield Depth

PHILADELPHIA — When the Philadelphia Eagles secured Saquon Barkley in free agency with a lucrative deal this offseason, fans and analysts alike anticipated fireworks. A two-time Pro Bowler and former No. 2 overall pick, Barkley’s arrival was seen as the kind of marquee move that could redefine the team’s offense. But only weeks into offseason programs and OTAs, an unexpected development is unfolding in Philadelphia: Barkley’s expected bell-cow role is already being reconsidered.

According to team insiders and beat reporters, the Eagles are actively exploring a more balanced, shared workload in the backfield. This shift has less to do with Barkley’s talent and more to do with the emergence of younger, cheaper options who are showing promise early on.

The Eagles’ coaching staff, under head coach Nick Sirianni, has long favored a running-back-by-committee approach, and that philosophy isn’t changing with Barkley in town. Kenneth Gainwell remains a favorite among the coaches for his versatility and experience in the system, while second-year runner Trey Sermon and rookie breakout Tyrone Dawson have impressed with their burst, vision, and ability to handle pass protection.

Dawson in particular has been a revelation. Drafted in the fifth round, the rookie out of Missouri has turned heads during OTAs. His combination of quick decision-making, low pad level, and ability to catch out of the backfield has given the coaching staff reason to believe they may have found a late-round gem.

“Every time he touches the ball, something good happens,” said one Eagles coach who requested anonymity. “We’re not ready to say he’s the starter, but he’s definitely forcing our hand when it comes to rotation.”

Barkley, to his credit, has handled the situation with professionalism and grace. Speaking to the media last week, he acknowledged the competition and stressed that his focus remains on helping the team win games.

“I’ve been in this league long enough to know nothing is handed to you,” Barkley said. “I came here to win. If that means sharing reps, I’m good with that—as long as we’re putting up Ws.”

Still, it’s impossible to ignore the context. Barkley signed a three-year, $37.75 million contract with $25.5 million guaranteed. That kind of investment typically signals a heavy workload. But with durability questions stemming from previous knee and ankle injuries during his time with the New York Giants, the Eagles may be taking a long-term view—opting to preserve their prized acquisition rather than run him into the ground early.

Head coach Nick Sirianni has remained diplomatic in discussing the evolving backfield strategy, consistently highlighting the team’s adaptability.

“We’ve always believed in using all of our weapons,” Sirianni said in a press conference Monday. “That’s how we stay unpredictable. Saquon is a tremendous player and a leader in our locker room. But part of building a championship team is knowing when and how to use everyone. If we’ve got three or four guys who can carry the rock, we’ll use them.”

Sirianni’s comments echo a growing trend across the NFL: moving away from the traditional feature back model. Running back longevity continues to be a concern league-wide, and spreading the workload has become more common—even for teams with elite talent in the position.

From a strategic standpoint, a multi-back approach could bode well for the Eagles’ playoff aspirations. Rotating backs means fresher legs late in games and late in the season, something that could prove critical in a grueling NFC East battle. However, the challenge will be maintaining rhythm and chemistry, especially if the rotation shifts from week to week.

From a fantasy football perspective, Barkley’s diminished role may frustrate owners hoping for a return to his 2018 workload. But Eagles fans may see the bigger picture: a healthier, more explosive Barkley in key moments—especially in the postseason.

Despite the early signs of a timeshare, don’t count out Barkley just yet. The Eagles paid him for a reason. He remains the most talented and accomplished back on the roster. If anything, this could be a case of the team protecting their investment while still getting value from their other options.

Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore may also find creative ways to get Barkley involved that don’t require him to carry the ball 20 times a game. Look for more usage in the passing game, outside runs, and red-zone packages that leverage his explosiveness.

While Barkley’s workload may decrease compared to initial expectations, it doesn’t necessarily mean a diminished role. Instead, the Eagles appear to be crafting a more versatile and sustainable offensive approach. The message from the coaching staff is clear: no one is above competition—and in Philadelphia, earning your snaps is as important as your contract.