Saquon Barkley Reveals Why He Contacted Former Rams Pro Bowler for Advice
The Philadelphia Eagles are hoping for a much-improved season following their struggles throughout 2025-26, which included an exit in the Wild Card Round of the NFL Playoffs.
While Saquon Barkley helped power the team to reach and win Super Bowl LIX, he noticeably regressed in his rushing performances this past NFL season.
After his standout 2024 season with over 2,000 yards on the ground, he had fewer carries and ultimately finished with 1,140 yards. Still, it was his fifth season, surpassing the 1,000-yard mark and second with Philly.
However, the Eagles made a significant change after the playoffs, parting ways with offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo in January and hiring Sean Mannion as their new OC.
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With the Eagles beginning OTAs recently, Barkley spoke with reporters at a press conference, expressing optimism about what’s ahead this offseason.
To get advice on his approach for the upcoming season, Barkley said he reached out to Todd Gurley, who had multiple Pro Bowl seasons as a running back for the Los Angeles Rams. The Eagles star wanted advice on playing in a “Sean McVay-like system,” because he’ll be playing a lot more under center and outside zone under the new OC.
Barkley spoke about the significance and benefits of his playing under center in the offense, such as seeing downfield more easily, “getting downhill a little quicker,” and threatening opponents’ defenses with more “outside zones and stretches.”
“There’s a lot of unique things you can do. It’s not a secret what the system is about. I look forward to doing it. Probably be the most I ever done it under center too,” he said, adding, “It’s a challenge I’m looking forward to working on and getting better at and trying to be the best at it.”
Barkley, who said he chatted a bit with Gurley on Instagram, said he watched some of the former Rams star’s game film and how he attacked things with that style of offense on the Rams. While Gurley spent only six seasons in the league, he had multiple standout seasons as a running back, achieving two First Team All-Pro and three Pro Bowl selections.
In addition to Gurley, Barkley mentioned he enjoys watching and studying current NFL players, including the Atlanta Falcons Bijan Robinson, Detroit Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs, San Francisco 49ers' Christian McCaffrey, and Baltimore Ravens' Derrick Henry.
While he didn’t have quite the sort of success in his sophomore season in Philadelphia, it seems Barkley is dedicated to improving so he can ensure he’s giving his team what they need under this new offense. The fact that he’s expressing excitement about it should excite Eagles fans about the unique things they might see from Barkley and the offense in 2026-27.
The Eagles’ season kicks off on Sunday, Sep. 14, when they host the Washington Commanders at 4:30 p.m. ET.
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This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 12:58 PM.