Saquon Barkley is a really smart player and exceptional businessman, so it shouldn’t be a shock that he negotiated his contract around the tush push and quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Barkley signed a three-year, $37.8 million deal with the Eagles in free agency with plenty of bonuses and incentives. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has over 50+ career rushing touchdowns, and thanks to the Tush Push, the Pro Bowl signal-caller has been known to steal a touchdown or two.
Ian Rapoport reports that Barkley did a great job of negotiating incentives and bonuses that had nothing to do with touchdowns scored.
From @NFLGameDay: #Eagles RB Saquon Barkley’s bottom-line isn’t affected by the Tush Push, as he has zero incentives based on TDs. Smart move. pic.twitter.com/eBvtk8fgaj
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 17, 2024
According to NFL Research, Barkley has been tackled at the 1- or 2-yard line 11 times this season, most in the NFL.
Barkley’s contract is set up so that the running back can earn up to an additional $3 million in individual and team incentives for performance this season.
If Barkley logs 1,500 rushing and receiving yards combined (he’s already at 1,347), he’ll earn a $250,000 incentive. He’ll pick up another $250,000 for 2,000 total yards. The amount earned from his yardage incentive would also be added to his 2025 salary as an escalator. For Barkley, 2,000 combined yards would net him $1 million total.
For a first-team All-Pro selection, Barkley earns a $500,000 incentive. A second-team honor or being voted into the Pro Bowl would earn him $250,000. Those incentives would also be added to his 2025 base salary as an escalator.
Barkley also has up to $500,000 tied to the Eagles’ postseason performance.
Victories in the NFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl would net Barkley $250,000 each. (For this incentive, he must rush for 1,000 yards in the regular season, which he’s already done.)