Eagles Keep Saquon Barkley Off the Trade Block

Eagles keep Barkley off the market

Trade rumors surrounding Saquon Barkley can now be put to rest. The Philadelphia Eagles will not move their star running back before the trade deadline.

The 29 year old back has two years and just over $35 million remaining on his contract. Philadelphia holds a 2-5 record after dealing with injuries to quarterback Jalen Hurts and several other key players. General manager Howie Roseman has held trade talks regarding some roster members to see if he can gather future draft picks.

Roseman usually buys players at the deadline. The team's poor start gives him a rare chance to operate as a seller instead.

Future plans and player health

The Eagles believe they still have enough talent on the roster to compete in 2027 and beyond. That is why they told teams that Barkley is not available. Meanwhile, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor remains the only top tier back on the trade market before the Nov 10 deadline. Philadelphia could still acquire a player if the cost fits their long term vision.

Barkley is set to play Sunday night against the Washington Commanders. He managed only 10 snaps last Monday against the Dallas Cowboys because of a back injury. That injury flared up while he was compensating for a hamstring issue. He missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday before returning as a limited participant on Friday.

"One day I'm not going to be playing football. Whenever that is, I don't want to look back and be like, 'I could've gave it a chance and I didn't,'" Barkley said on Friday. "I like playing football. So if I have an opportunity to play, I'm going to try my best to play."

Barkley is not at 100 percent health. This is shaping up to be the first of his three seasons in Philadelphia without a postseason appearance.

What it means for the next game

Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Commanders (NFL, Mon, 02 Nov): Washington Commanders win 69%, Philadelphia Eagles win 31%; projected score Washington Commanders 23, Philadelphia Eagles 18. Our safest pick: Eagles +13.5.

New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (NFL, Sun, 08 Nov): Philadelphia Eagles win 44%, New York Giants win 56%; projected score Philadelphia Eagles 20, New York Giants 22. Our safest pick: Over 33.5 points.