BREAKING: Dallas Cowboys Sign RB Saquon Barkley to a 2-Year, $41.2 Million Contract with $30 Million Guaranteed
March 5, 2025 – In a stunning offseason move, the Dallas Cowboys have made a major splash by signing former New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley to a two-year, $41.2 million contract that includes $30 million in guaranteed money. The blockbuster deal solidifies Barkley as one of the highest-paid running backs in the league and sends shockwaves across the NFC East, as the two-time Pro Bowler joins one of the Giants’ biggest rivals.
Cowboys Land a Star Playmaker
The Cowboys’ signing of Barkley represents a major shift in their offensive strategy heading into the 2025 season. With longtime starter Tony Pollard hitting free agency, Dallas was in the market for a premier running back. Instead of drafting a replacement or signing a cheaper alternative, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made a bold statement by acquiring one of the most dynamic rushers in the NFL.
“Saquon Barkley is a game-changer,” Jones said in a press conference. “He’s a guy who can break open a game at any moment, and we believe he’s going to thrive in this offense. This is a huge step toward getting back to the Super Bowl.”
Barkley, 27, is coming off a productive season with the Giants in which he rushed for 1,230 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding another 400 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns through the air. His ability to dominate both as a runner and a receiver makes him a perfect fit in Dallas’ offense, which is looking to add more versatility around quarterback Dak Prescott.
Barkley’s Journey: From Giants’ Star to Cowboys’ Weapon
Barkley spent six seasons with the New York Giants after being drafted second overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. He immediately made an impact, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year with a jaw-dropping 2,028 yards from scrimmage. Over the years, despite battling injuries, he remained the heart and soul of the Giants’ offense.
However, contract negotiations between Barkley and the Giants never gained traction, leading to his decision to test free agency. New York reportedly offered him a three-year, $36 million deal, but Barkley and his camp believed he was worth more. Dallas’ lucrative offer sealed the deal.
“I want to thank the Giants organization and the fans for everything over the years,” Barkley said in a statement. “It was an incredible journey, and I’ll always have love for my time in New York. But I’m excited for this next chapter with the Cowboys. We’re building something special here.”
A New Look for the Cowboys Offense
Adding Barkley to the Cowboys offense gives head coach Mike McCarthy a new weapon to build around. Over the past few seasons, the Cowboys relied on Pollard, but Barkley brings an elite combination of power, speed, and receiving ability that could elevate Dallas’ attack to another level.
Pairing Barkley with CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, and Jake Ferguson provides Prescott with a well-rounded group of playmakers. The Cowboys ranked seventh in total offense last season, but their rushing game struggled at times, finishing 16th in the league. Barkley’s presence should immediately boost the team’s ground game, taking pressure off Prescott.
“He’s going to open things up for everyone,” McCarthy said. “When you have a guy who can break off a 50-yard run or catch a pass for 20 yards out of the backfield, defenses have to respect that. It’s going to help our passing game, it’s going to help our offensive line, and it’s going to help Dak.”
Barkley vs. the Giants Twice a Year
One of the biggest storylines of this move is Barkley now facing the Giants twice a year as a division rival. His departure from New York has left a sour taste in the mouths of many Giants fans, especially given the bad blood between Dallas and New York.
“Seeing Saquon in a Cowboys uniform is going to be tough,” one Giants fan tweeted. “He was our guy. And now we have to watch him torch us?”
Barkley, however, isn’t concerned with the drama. When asked about playing against his former team, he remained professional.
“I have nothing but respect for the Giants organization and my former teammates,” Barkley said. “But at the end of the day, I’m a competitor. If we play them twice a year, you know I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.”
The Financial Breakdown
Barkley’s two-year, $41.2 million deal makes him one of the highest-paid running backs in the league. His $30 million in guaranteed money ensures he is financially secure, something he fought for during contract negotiations with the Giants.
Here’s a breakdown of his contract:
2025 Salary: $18 million ($15 million guaranteed)
2026 Salary: $23.2 million ($15 million guaranteed)
Signing Bonus: $10 million
Incentives: Up to $5 million based on rushing yards, touchdowns, and playoff success
The Cowboys structured the deal to give themselves flexibility after two seasons, making it a win-win situation for both Barkley and the team.
What This Means for the NFC East
Barkley’s move to Dallas shakes up the balance of power in the NFC East. The division, which has been one of the most competitive in football, now features three elite running backs:
Saquon Barkley (Cowboys)
Bijan Robinson (Falcons, formerly Commanders)
D’Andre Swift (Eagles)
The Cowboys are coming off a 12-5 season that ended in disappointment with a divisional-round playoff loss. With Barkley in the backfield, they’re hoping to finally break through and reach their first Super Bowl since the 1995 season.
Meanwhile, the Giants are now in scramble mode. With Daniel Jones’ future uncertain, New York will need to find a new running back, either through free agency or the draft. Some reports suggest they may pursue former Titans RB Derrick Henry or look at prospects like Blake Corum (Michigan) or Trey Benson (Florida State) in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Final Thoughts: A Championship Move?
The Cowboys signing Barkley is a clear signal that they are all-in for a Super Bowl run. With one of the league’s best defenses and an offense now featuring one of the most explosive running backs in the game, Dallas is positioned to make a deep playoff push.
However, questions remain:
Can Barkley stay healthy for a full season?
Will the offensive line hold up?
Can the Cowboys get past the 49ers and Eagles, two teams that have been roadblocks in the playoffs?
Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: Saquon Barkley in a Cowboys uniform is one of the biggest stories of the 2025 offseason.
Cowboys Fans React
The reaction from Cowboys Nation has been electric. Fans have flooded social media with excitement over the team landing one of the biggest names in the NFL.
“This is the move we needed,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Dak finally has a true superstar RB again. Let’s get that ring.”
Another fan joked, “Jerry Jones just pulled off the biggest heist in history. Giants fans are in shambles.”
Looking Ahead
Barkley is expected to be introduced officially at a press conference later this week. Training camp will be the first chance to see how he fits in with the Cowboys’ offense.
Dallas’ first game of the season? A Sunday Night Football showdown against the New York Giants in Week 1.
Get your popcorn ready.
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