Saquon Barkley is projected to post at least 1,250 rushing yards in the 2026 NFL season, according to Eagles insider Zach Berman, who bases the floor on Kyren Williams’ 2024 output.
What is the projected floor?
Berman points to Kyren Williams, who logged 1,252 yards on 259 carries in 2024, as a realistic baseline for Barkley in Philadelphia’s revamped offense. He argues the Eagles’ shift to a wide‑zone blocking scheme and more under‑center runs will give Barkley the same opportunities that helped Williams thrive.
Why the Eagles expect a run‑heavy approach?
After a lackluster offensive showing in the Super Bowl loss last season, the Eagles overhauled their scheme. First‑round pick Makai Lemon and new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion signal a commitment to pounding the rock. Berman notes the system mirrors the one that propelled Robinson, Achane, McCaffrey and Williams into the top‑10 rushers last year.
How does Barkley’s recent performance compare?
In 2024, Barkley rushed for 1,140 yards, ranking 10th league‑wide. That was a drop from his 2,000‑yard campaign two years earlier. The decline coincided with the breakup of the A.J. Brown‑DeVonta Smith tandem after Brown’s trade to New England. The Eagles hope the new scheme will revive Barkley’s elite production.
What could the season look like for Barkley?
If the Eagles execute Berman’s vision, Barkley could not only surpass the 1,250‑yard mark but also re‑enter the conversation for Offensive Player of the Year. The combination of a power‑run focus and a talented offensive line may push him back toward the 2,000‑yard ceiling he once flirted with.
Who else benefits from the new system?
Berman lists several young backs—Bijan Robinson, De’Von Achane, Christian McCaffrey and Kyren Williams—who thrived in similar schemes. Their success suggests the Eagles’ playbook is designed to maximize any top‑tier runner’s upside, making Barkley the centerpiece of a potentially explosive ground attack.
What are the next steps for the Eagles?
Philadelphia’s front office will need to keep the offensive line healthy and ensure the wide‑zone concepts translate in game‑day situations. Early‑season performance will be the true test of whether Barkley can hit the projected floor and perhaps exceed it.
Bottom line: With a new coordinator, a fresh offensive philosophy and a proven benchmark in Kyren Williams, Saquon Barkley’s 2026 runway looks sturdier than ever.