The plan is for veterans acquired via free agency or trade to help improve a team whether it's going from mediocrity to the playoffs or playoff participant to Super Bowl contender. The Philadelphia Eagles hitting the jackpot during free agency last year was a catalyst in winning Super Bowl LIX.

Running back Saquon Barkley was 2024's best veteran acquisition. The Eagles gave Barkley the type of long-term deal he had been seeking from the New York Giants before playing the 2023 season under a $10.091 million franchise tag. He signed a three-year, $37.75 million contract, averaging $12,583,333 per year, worth as much as $46.75 million through incentives and salary escalators.

Barkley became the ninth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season. His league-leading 2

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