One of the biggest pieces that has given the Philadelphia Eagles dynastic potential is a general manager who is never content. Howie Roseman's desire to win led to signing Saquon Barkley in 2024, sparking an incredible Super Bowl run. Roseman is always going to be searching for ways to improve, even if the roster is performing as expected, which was the case late Monday with the news that the Eagles had acquired running back Tank Bigsby from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
It seems that this indicates a level of serious injury to RB Will Shipley, who was forced to exit Thursday's season opener.
For Bigsby, it is an incredible opportunity to upgrade from an AFC bottomfeeder to the defending Super Bowl champs. It will be behind an incredible offensive line and in an offense where he simply needs to give Barkley a breather, and that's something that Philly's star runner is unquestionably taking note of before Week 2 is in full swing.
Eagles Send Saquon Barkley Obvious Message with Surprise Tank Bigsby Trade
The Eagles are showing Barkley with more than words that he remains an incredibly important piece not just in the 2025 season but moving into the playoffs and the years to come. Keeping the star fresh and able to impact games down the stretch is the focus. Heading into a key Week 2 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Eagles' trading for Bigsby is especially telling that Barkley isn't going to be asked to put on his cape each and every week.
The Eagles are in the driver's seat in the NFC East and have a schedule that is going to allow the passing game and defense to do a lot of the heavy lifting anytime Barkley needs a breather. This is in no way to indicate that the back isn't incredibly important, rather that he is important enough that the Bigsby trade sends a future-thinking message.
Barkley is going to be protected from being put at a higher injury risk after pacing the NFL with 378 total touches last season — 26 more than his previous best. With DeVonta Smith, A.J. Brown, and now Bigsby all able to take some of the burden off Philly's best playmaker, the trade was a savvy move from Roseman that Philly fans have come to expect from their front office.
The Eagles now have a punishing back they can use situationally as well as in short stints to give Barkley rest. The former Auburn Tiger is coming off a 2024 season that saw him tally 766 rushing yards and seven TDs on 168 carries. It will be interesting to see how the Eagles will deploy him at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Much has been made of the Super Bowl 59 rematch, and the Eagles will want their backfield to set the tone.
The wise move might be limiting Barkley's carries in the early season before upping his volume deeper in the year. That sounds great and appears logical on paper, but this changes the moment when the Eagles are in a close game and need Barkley to take over.
Still, at least the Eagles now have the option to give their stud RB some rest, making it clear exactly how much they value what Barkley brings to the table.