Should I Start Saquon Barkley?

Sunday, June 7, 11:10 AM

"It's not a stretch to speculate" that Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley could have a larger pass-catching role in 2026, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic. The 29-year-old recorded 37 catches for 273 yards and two touchdowns on 50 targets across 17 games in 2025 and has not topped 300 receiving yards in a season since 2022. However, Barkley played a much larger role as a receiver early in his career, hauling in 143 catches for 1,159 yards and six scores on 194 targets across his first two NFL seasons with the New York Giants. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has traditionally opted to scramble himself rather than check down to his backs, but Philadelphia will have a new play-caller in 2026 in Sean Mannion. Mannion may place a greater emphasis on getting the ball in Barkley's hands in open space as a receiver out of the backfield, which could maximize Barkley's fantasy potential.