Inside RB Saquon Barkley's contract incentives with Eagles

When Saquon Barkley signed with the Eagles, he knew what he was getting -- a stellar offensive line, a chance to for a playoff run ... and maybe a vultured touchdown or two.

In fact, while Barkley is on his way to a career year, poised to eclipse the 1,312 yards he rushed for in 2022, he "only" has eight TDs -- thanks in part to the tush push. Interestingly, as sources explained this week, Barkley's three-year, $37.8 million contract planned for this exact experience by having a grand total of zero dollars in incentives based on touchdowns.

With good reason. According to NFL Research, Barkley has been tackled at the 1- or 2-yard line 11 times this season, most in the NFL. Many of those end up as Jalen Hurts scores, which doesn't hurt Barkley's bottom line.

Barkley is set to earn a total of $13.5 million this season via his signing bonus, workout bonus and base salary. He can earn up to an additional $3 million in individual and team incentives for performance this season.

If he totals 1,500 rushing and receiving yards combined (he's already at 1,347), he'll earn a $250,000 incentive payable in February. If he crosses 2,000 yards, he'll pick up another $250,000. The amount earned from his yardage incentive would also be added to his 2025 base salary as an escalator. In other words, 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. As with the yardage incentive, the same amount would be added to his 2025 base salary as an escalator, as well.

Barkley also has up to $500,000 tied to the team's postseason performance. For victories in the NFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl, Barkley would earn $250,000 each. (For this incentive, he's also required to rush for 1,000 yards in the regular season, which he's already done.) Again, whatever Barkley earns via an incentive would also be added to his 2025 base salary.

Going back to those 11 times Barkley has been tackled on the 1 or 2, they are as follows: Five Hurts rushing TDs, one Hurts passing TD, one Barkley rushing TD and a field goal.

Barkley's fantasy owners may not love it. Barkley, however, doesn't seem to mind, saying earlier in the season: "Whether it's me scoring, Jalen scoring, just finding ways to get in the end zone. That's the way to win football games."