Who Should I Start? Saquon Barkley or Rachaad White

Monday, March 11, 2:57 PM

Free-agent running back Saquon Barkley is signing with the Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year, $37.75 million deal. The deal includes $26 million in guaranteed money and has an additional $9 million available in incentives. After a 2018 rookie season that saw the former Penn State star go for over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns, he has struggled to stay healthy over a chunk of the next five years of his career. He missed 21 games from 2019 to 2021. He bounced back in 2022 with 1,312 rushing yards but regressed to 962 yards in 14 games in 2023. However, the Eagles believe in him as a game-changing running back, as his average salary ($12.58 million) ranks only below Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, and Jonathan Taylor. Although the Eagles' offensive line could take a hit after the retirement of Jason Kelce, Barkley should be playing behind the best offensive line of his career in 2024. He will have an immediate high-end RB1 upside in fantasy football.

Sunday, January 21, 9:12 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White made the most of his chances during Sunday's playoff matchup against the Detroit Lions. White didn't see his normal workload with the Bucs going pass-heavy in this game. He rushed nine times for 55 yards, while hauling in four of his five targets for 36 yards and a touchdown in the loss. White established himself as the workhorse RB1 in this offense. However, White managed only 3.6 yards per carry while seeing the second most rushing attempts in the league. It wouldn't be shocking to see the Bucs bring in some competition for White this offseason. Barring any blockbuster moves, White should still be able to provide at least RB2 value heading into next season.