Eagles save $500,000 by benching Saquon Barkley despite his chase for a historic record

On Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles announced that star running back Saquon Barkley will be benched in the Week 18 season finale, despite Barkley being on the verge of breaking a historic rushing record. The decision comes as a surprise to many fans, given Barkley’s impressive performance throughout the season.

However, the Eagles’ decision may be driven more by financial considerations than Barkley’s health or performance. Barkley has a clause in his contract that would require Philadelphia to pay him a $500,000 bonus if he surpasses a certain number of snaps this season. Currently, he is just shy of the threshold, and sitting him out ensures that the Eagles save on the bonus payout.

In Barkley’s absence, backup running back Kenneth Gainwell is expected to take the lead role. Gainwell has been a reliable contributor throughout the season, and this game will offer him an opportunity to showcase his skills in a more prominent role. The Eagles have already secured their playoff position, so the coaching staff may be prioritizing financial strategy and player health over records in the season finale.

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni voiced confidence in the decision and in Gainwell’s ability to step up. “Kenneth has been working hard all season, and we trust him to carry the load in this game,” Sirianni said during a press conference. “This decision wasn’t easy, especially given what Saquon has achieved this year, but we believe it’s the best move for the team heading into the postseason.”

Saquon Barkley has been one of the most dynamic players in the NFL since being drafted, and this season has been one of his best. Despite being benched for the finale, Barkley remains focused on the playoffs and helping the Eagles achieve their ultimate goal of a championship.

“I’m a competitor, and of course, I wanted to be out there,” Barkley said. “But I understand the bigger picture. We have a shot at something great, and that’s where my focus is.”

With the playoffs looming, the Eagles’ decision to rest Barkley could pay off in the long run. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team performs without their star running back and how Gainwell handles the increased workload. Regardless of the outcome, the Eagles have made it clear that they are thinking strategically as they prepare for a deep postseason run.