In his third year with the Philadelphia Eagles franchise, star running back Saquon Barkley has had his fair share of highs and lows. In 2024, he became the fifth RB in the 21st century to rush for 2,000 yards.
In 2025, he was much less effective overall but still an impactful player. It is now 2026 and while the efficiency numbers have climbed back up, Barkley cannot stay healthy as he has a lingering right hamstring issue.
In his return Week 7 against the Dallas Cowboys, the 29-year-old played just 10 snaps before exiting with a new lower back injury. He was all over the Eagles’ offense before going down, logging nine total touches with 71 yards and a touchdown.
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Due to their onslaught on injuries, the team is 2-5 heading into November. That has prompted his name to be placed in trade talks. A recent article from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano had something to say on this.
“I believe Tennessee’s Tony Pollard is the more likely running back to be dealt, ahead of Taylor or Saquon Barkley but if the Colts are in full rebuilding mode, you can’t rule anything out.”
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/50297734/week-8-buzz-fantasy-predictions-graziano-fowler-2026
From that quote, it is hard to tell whether or not Philadelphia is inclined to trade Barkley. The potential draft compensation might not be so large given his recent injuries at age-29 and his inconsistency this season.
The piece did say that nothing can be ruled out, however. The Eagles, with so many starters out, are a long shot to compete in the NFC East. Perhaps that could make them listen to trade calls on the nine-year veteran back.
Barkley has only played the entire game in two of his five contests, handling 70% or more of the snaps in Weeks 1 and 3. He had similar stat lines in both: 15 carries for 82 yards and 83 yards respectively.
If a name like Jonathan Taylor can get traded, then Barkley could certainly be on the block. The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. ET.
