As the Philadelphia Eagles regroup following last season’s disappointing playoff exit, running back Saquon Barkley is adopting a new approach in his Saquon Barkley offseason preparation for his ninth NFL season. Barkley, a vital piece of the Eagles’ offense, shared insights into how his offseason routine has shifted, focusing more on longevity and body coordination than raw strength.
Shifting Focus from Strength to Agility and Health
On the NFL Network’s The Insiders, Barkley explained how his mindset has evolved since his younger years. Rather than concentrating on heavy weights, he’s now prioritizing exercises that improve his knees, ankles, hips, and overall athleticism to maintain health throughout the demanding season. This change comes as Barkley aims to extend his career and remain effective on the field for years to come.
“It’s not really the mindset of putting 500 pounds on your back right now,”
Barkley stated.
“I’m working on trampolines. I’m working on (a) hula hoop of getting my body coordination back together. I’m super excited, and it’s new, and it’s different. But you want to play as long as you can, and I want to be super successful for a long time, so you got to change it up. And I feel like it’s been helpful. And I got a routine now that I love.”
— Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles running back
Past Performance and Upcoming Goals with the Eagles
After a standout 2024 season with 2,005 rushing yards, Barkley’s production dipped to 1,140 yards last season, though he remains a key figure in Philadelphia’s offensive strategy. The Eagles finished the year with an 11-6 record, securing the NFC East title, but were eliminated in the wild-card round by the San Francisco 49ers. Barkley’s focused offseason work aims to help the team advance further next season.
The Eagles’ determination to improve and Barkley’s commitment to evolving his training highlight the team’s effort to build on recent successes and overcome past setbacks in the playoffs.
Looking Ahead: Long-Term Impact of Barkley’s Training Changes
Barkley’s unconventional offseason preparation may signal a broader shift for veteran NFL players aiming to extend their careers. By focusing on coordination and injury prevention over sheer strength gains, Barkley hopes to stay at the top of his game for years ahead. This approach reflects his determination to maximize both his performance and longevity, which could be crucial for Philadelphia’s ambitions moving forward.
“It’s not really the mindset of putting 500 pounds on your back right now. I’m working on trampolines. I’m working on (a) hula hoop of getting my body coordination back together.”
Eagles star Saquon Barkley talked about preparing for Year 9, a new offense + more on The Insiders: pic.twitter.com/ZCtGnDZNT0
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 21, 2026
