After winning the 2024 Offensive Player of the Year award in dominant fashion, Saquon Barkley experienced a significant regression in 2025. The question now: was it an aberration or a sign of decline?

The 2025 Drop-Off

The numbers don't lie. Barkley rushed for 865 fewer yards and six fewer touchdowns in the same number of games as his MVP campaign. The electric playmaking that defined his first year in midnight green was largely absent.

Multiple factors contributed: defenses stacking the box knowing the Eagles couldn't stretch the field, an offensive line dealing with injuries, and a general offensive dysfunction that made everyone look worse.

What 2026 Could Look Like

There's reason to believe Barkley can bounce back:

Better offensive balance: With Makai Lemon added to the receiving corps, defenses won't be able to commit as heavily to stopping the run.

Fresh legs: The Eagles have added depth at running back with Tank Bigsby, Will Shipley, and Dameon Pierce. Expect a more managed workload for Barkley.

Motivation: Great players respond to adversity. Barkley has the talent and work ethic to remind everyone why he was the best player in football two years ago.

The Bottom Line

At 29, Barkley is entering the age where running backs typically decline. But he's not a typical running back. Expect a motivated Saquon to prove the doubters wrong in 2026.