Barkley to Use Extended Offseason to Rebound After 2025

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley is using a longer offseason to prepare for a bounce-back campaign after a 2025 season that fell short of his and the team’s championship expectations. The Eagles, who won Super Bowl LIX in the 2024 season, were eliminated in the NFC Wild Card round this past January.

Speaking to reporters during Organized Team Activities, Barkley was openly critical of his performance last year. He said he did not perform at a high enough level for the team. Statistically, Barkley rushed for 1,140 yards, a significant drop from his 2,000-yard, Offensive Player of the Year campaign in 2024. He averaged 4.1 yards per carry, down from 5.8 the previous season, and recorded fewer explosive runs.

The Eagles’ offense struggled as a unit last season, ranking 19th in the NFL in scoring. The team’s late-season performance also declined, with a 3-4 record over its final seven games preceding the playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

A major change this offseason is the installation of a new offensive scheme under first-year coordinator Sean Mannion. The system is expected to feature more under-center formations and outside zone running concepts, a shift...