In an alternate universe, Saquon Barkley never would have hit free agency at a prime age. He would have been one of the rare running backs to get a long-term deal.
Barkley was one of the greatest running back prospects ever, the second pick of the 2018 NFL Draft and an NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after a monster season. Then his career stalled.
Barkley didn’t get a long-term extension from the New York Giants before he hit free agency, but their NFC East rival Philadelphia Eagles were willing to pay up.