Eagles
NFL Honors: Saquon Barkley Named Finalist For MVP, OPOTY

The Eagles made a marquee signing this offseason when they handed a large contract to Saquon Barkley.
It took away a division rival’s best player and added him to their own roster. Of course, the running back position has been one that’s been getting devalued and the question of whether he was worth that much money left a lot to live up to.
In year one, he did that task, however, and on Thursday he was officially named a finalist for MVP and Offensive Player of the Year.
The finalists for AP Most Valuable Player presented by @Invisalign! #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/bcemPLMfjo
— NFL (@NFL) January 23, 2025
Barkley is the only player to appear as an MVP finalist that is NOT a quarterback.
The finalists for AP Offensive Player of the Year presented by @surface! #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/N5kcta7tkM
— NFL (@NFL) January 23, 2025
He is joined by fellow running back Derrick Henry and receiver Ja’Marr Chase as the non-running backs in the OPTY race.
Barkley has nearly 2,700 all-purpose yards this season as he has helped to power his team to victory after victory.
Ultimately, he ended up with 2.005 rushing yards during the regular season. He would have broken the rushing record in fewer carries had he been allowed to play against the Giants during the final week of the regular season.
Barkley has been a difference maker and there really isn’t much of an argument for Henry or Chase over Barkley in the awards.
In a QB-centric league, however, it’s hard to imagine the tough running that Barkley did this season being rewarded with the MVP despite the fact that he is probably the most valuable player to any team in the league.
Saquon is the lone Eagle on the offensive side of the ball to be named as a finalist for NFL Honors with Vic Fangio up for ACOTY, Zack Baun named a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year, and two of his rookies are up for Defensive Rookie of the Year.