Who Should I Start? Saquon Barkley or David Montgomery

Tuesday, March 4, 2:27 PM

The Philadelphia Eagles are signing running back Saquon Barkley to a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. This deal makes Barkley the first-ever $20 million per year ball-carrier and locks him in through the 2027 campaign. The former New York Giants' No. 2 overall pick dominated in his first season with Philly, racking up 2,005 rushing yards and 15 total touchdowns in 16 games. His new deal includes $36 million in total guarantees, and he can earn up to an additional $15 million in incentives and escalators. The 28-year-old's new deal could signal a market increase for running backs moving forward after the position became devalued over the last half-decade.

Sunday, January 19, 12:12 AM

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery rushed seven times for 28 yards during Saturday's playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. He also threw a pass for 20 yards. Montgomery returned from a multi-week absence caused by a knee injury. As expected, he took a backseat to Jahmyr Gibbs, who had twice as many carries and also saw a whopping 11 targets. Montgomery's ability to convert in short-yardage situations makes him a special running back, but there's no denying that he lacks the shiftiness, receiving skills, and big-play upside of Gibbs. Nevertheless, the two continue to form the best running back duo in the NFL. Heading into 2025, Montgomery will have standalone value as a high-end RB3, and he'll also be a premier handcuff option in case Gibbs gets hurt.