Saquon Barkley is heading into the 2026 season as a legit non-quarterback MVP candidate, and if you saw his numbers last year, that probably sounds totally wild. After absolutely shattering the NFL’s full-season rushing record in 2024 and helping his team snag a Super Bowl title, Barkley’s explosive plays just vanished in 2025. It was a brutal drop from his incredible 5.8 yards per carry in 2024, plummeting all the way down to a mere 4.1. The guy only had four runs of 20-plus yards all season, which is the same measly number as quarterbacks Jaxson Dart and Marcus Mariota. Ouch.
New OC, New Saquon?
The good news for 2026? A lot of changes are in motion that could bring back the explosive Barkley we know. First off, the offensive line is coming back way healthier than it was a year ago. That’s huge for any running back, let alone one like Barkley who chose his team in 2024 partly because of that storied O-line. Then there’s the new Offensive Coordinator, Sean Mannion, stepping in. We don’t know Mannion’s whole playbook yet, but if he learned anything from his former boss, Matt LaFleur, expect them to lean heavily on the ground game. LaFleur’s team ran the ball on the fifth-highest percentage of plays last season, so that’s a massive clue.
Mannion’s system also uses the quarterback under center a lot more, which changes things big time for the running back. Barkley is already on it, though. He’s been hitting up two-time All-Pro Todd Gurley, a player he grew up admiring, to learn how Gurley attacked defenses from under center. Barkley, who always studies film in the offseason to sharpen his game, sounds hyped about it. “Under center, you can see it a little clear. You’re not blinded,” Barkley said after a June minicamp practice. “There’s a lot of unique things you can do… look forward to doing that. Probably be the most I’ve ever done it under center.” Plus, the overhauled system is bringing in more wide-zone concepts. Get ready for a different look!
New Weapon on Offense
It’s not all about Barkley, either. The team made a savvy trade for former Packers receiver Dontayvion Wicks. Last season, the 6-foot-1, 206-pound Wicks caught 30 passes on 44 targets for 332 yards and two touchdowns. He was banged up in 2025 with calf, ankle, and concussion issues, which totally limited his chances to replicate his 2024 production. Adding him into this new offensive mix could be a sneaky good move.
So, yeah, after a rough 2025, Barkley is poised for a monster comeback. With a healthier O-line, a new OC emphasizing the run game, and Barkley himself putting in the work with legends like Gurley, 2026 looks like it could be the year he not only crushes it but genuinely pushes for that MVP trophy. Keep an eye on what Mannion and Barkley cook up; it’s gonna be electric.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleeding Green Nation.
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