Saquon Barkley Aims to Join Elite List of Free Agents Who Delivered Super Bowl Titles
The Philadelphia Eagles made a game-changing move by signing Saquon Barkley in the offseason, and the decision has paid off in spectacular fashion. The star running back revitalized the Eagles’ offense, helping them reach Super Bowl LVIII, where they will face the Kansas City Chiefs on February 9 in New Orleans.
Barkley’s Record-Breaking Season
Since signing a three-year, $37.75 million contract in March, Barkley has delivered one of the most dominant seasons ever by a running back.
- Became the ninth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a regular season.
- Set an NFL record with seven touchdown runs of at least 60 yards in the regular season and playoffs.
- Needs just 30 more rushing yards to break Terrell Davis’ record of 2,476 yards (regular season and playoffs combined).
If Barkley helps lead the Eagles to victory, he will join an elite group of NFL free agents who transformed their teams and delivered Super Bowl championships. Here’s a look at some of the biggest impact signings in Super Bowl history.
Legendary Free Agents Who Helped Their Teams Win Super Bowls
Reggie White – Green Bay Packers (1993-1998)
- White was the first major unrestricted free agent in NFL history, leaving the Eagles in 1993 to sign with Green Bay.
- The dominant pass rusher turned the Packers into a contender, ending a 10-year playoff drought in his first season.
- Helped Green Bay win Super Bowl XXXI in the 1996 season, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest defensive players ever.
Deion Sanders – San Francisco 49ers (1994) & Dallas Cowboys (1995-1999)
- Signed with the 49ers in 1994 after back-to-back playoff losses to Dallas.
- Won Defensive Player of the Year, recorded three pick-6s, and helped San Francisco win Super Bowl XXIX.
- The following year, Dallas signed Sanders, and he immediately helped them win Super Bowl XXX, making him one of the rare players to win back-to-back titles with different teams.
Drew Brees – New Orleans Saints (2006-2020)
- After an injury-plagued stint with the Chargers, Brees signed with the Saints in 2006.
- Transformed the struggling franchise, leading New Orleans to the NFC Championship Game in his first season.
- Delivered the Saints’ first-ever Super Bowl title in 2009, securing his place as one of the most prolific passers in NFL history.
Charles Woodson – Green Bay Packers (2006-2012)
- Signed with Green Bay in 2006 after an up-and-down tenure in Oakland.
- Won Defensive Player of the Year (2009) and helped the Packers win Super Bowl XLV the following season.
- Played a key leadership role in the team’s defensive success despite suffering a broken collarbone in the Super Bowl.
Peyton Manning – Denver Broncos (2012-2015)
- After a serious neck injury sidelined him for the 2011 season, Manning left Indianapolis to join Denver.
- Won two MVP awards, led the Broncos to two AFC Championships, and capped his career with a Super Bowl 50 victory in 2015.
- Retired as one of the most decorated quarterbacks in NFL history.
Tom Brady – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2020-2022)
- After winning six Super Bowls with New England, Brady parted ways with the Patriots in 2020.
- Threw for 4,633 yards and 40 TDs in his first season in Tampa Bay, leading the team to its first playoff appearance in 12 years.
- Won his seventh Super Bowl, defeating Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, and Patrick Mahomes in the playoffs.
- Became the oldest QB to win a Super Bowl at age 43.
Will Barkley Join This Elite Group?
With one game left, Saquon Barkley has the chance to add his name to this list of legendary free agents who delivered championships. A Super Bowl win with the Eagles would cement his status as one of the most impactful free-agent signings in NFL history.
Come February 9, all eyes will be on New Orleans, where Barkley and the Eagles look to claim football’s biggest prize.
