The Philadelphia Eagles have one of the NFL‘s deepest rosters. So, of course, picking their most important non-quarterback isn’t easy. Lane Johnson is still one of the league’s best offensive tackles, and Jalen Carter has already become the centerpiece of a disruptive defense. But heading into 2026, Saquon Barkley gets the nod.
He gives the Eagles something few teams have.
Philadelphia has always been difficult to defend because of its offensive line and mobile quarterback, but Barkley added another dimension the moment he arrived. He’s capable of taking over games as both a runner and a receiver. He makes defenses account for him on every snap.
That’s not good for opposing coordinators. But it’s good for Philly.
Barkley doesn’t need tons of carries to change a game. One missed tackle is often enough for him to flip field position or find the end zone. His vision, burst and overall ability have made him one of the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons.
He also makes life easier for everyone around him.
There are certainly other worthy candidates. Johnson continues to be one of football’s elite right tackles, and his value becomes even more obvious whenever he’s unavailable. Few offensive linemen have been as consistently dominant over the past decade.
On defense, Carter has developed into the kind of interior force offenses must account for before every snap. His ability to collapse the pocket is remarkable.
Still, Barkley is the player who can completely change a game with one touch.
The Eagles are loaded with stars. But few players can tilt the field the way Barkley can. That makes him absolutely key in 2026.