Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley has boldly claimed he is the best running back in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL as the 2025 season approaches, highlighting his outstanding performance from last year. However, while confident in his abilities, Barkley stopped short of calling himself the most talented at his position.
When asked by SI.com’s Greg Bishop to identify the league’s best running back, Barkley responded,
“I’m super confident in myself. And I’m the best in the NFL.”
—Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles running back
Record-Breaking 2024 Campaign Elevates Barkley’s Standing
Barkley’s performance during his first year with the Eagles was exceptional, finishing the season with 2,005 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. In addition, he added 33 receptions for 278 yards and two receiving touchdowns. His efforts helped propel Philadelphia to a Super Bowl victory and earned him numerous honors, including Pro Bowler, First Team All-Pro, and NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
Bijan Robinson Recognized as the Most Talented Running Back
Despite Barkley’s accolades, he acknowledged another player as more naturally gifted—Atlanta Falcons’ Bijan Robinson. Barkley told Bishop,
“Do I think I’m the most talented one right now? I don’t. Bijan [Robinson] is the most talented. Puts it all together.”
—Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles running back
Robinson, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, quickly proved his worth by rushing for 976 yards and four touchdowns during his rookie season, along with 58 catches for 487 yards and four receiving touchdowns. He elevated his play in his sophomore campaign, rushing for 1,456 yards and 14 touchdowns while catching 61 passes for 431 yards and one touchdown, earning a reputation as one of the premier backs in the league.
Other Young Stars Earning Barkley’s Praise
Barkley also pointed out Detroit Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs as another talented young running back to watch. Entering his third NFL season, Gibbs impressed last year despite sharing carries with David Montgomery. He rushed for 1,412 yards and led the league with 16 rushing touchdowns, also adding 52 receptions for 517 yards and four touchdowns through the air.
Age and Longevity Concerns for Barkley’s Future
Now approaching his 29th birthday, Barkley faces the common challenge running backs experience as they near 30, when physical decline often begins. There are exceptions, such as Baltimore Ravens’ Derrick Henry, who managed 1,921 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns at age 30 last season, but maintaining peak performance beyond this age remains difficult. Barkley aims to extend his prime and replicate Henry’s success deep into his career.
Emerging Young Talent Signals a Shift at Running Back
While Barkley currently sees himself as the best overall running back, the rise of young stars like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs signals a changing of the guard. These players combine talent, youth, and production, positioning themselves to become the faces of the position soon. Barkley’s recognition of their skills underscores the competitiveness and evolving nature of NFL running backs heading into the 2025 season.