"Saquon Barkley's is more important": RGIII compares Tom Brady's Bucs free agency signing to $37,750,000 RB's move to Eagles

Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III has ignited discussion by rating Saquon Barkley's Philadelphia Eagles free-agent signing above Tom Brady's landmark Tampa Bay Buccaneers move. RGIII's analysis examines how both transitions reshaped NFL landscapes in vastly different ways.

Brady's 2020 departure ended a 20-year Patriots dynasty, while Barkley's Eagles contract launched a career renaissance. The Eagles invested $37.75 million over three years in the running back in March.

Speaking on the "Up & Adams Show" on Monday, Griffin drew sharp distinctions between these career-altering moves.

"Let's compare those two, though, right?" Griffin said. "OK, why was Tom's so significant? It was because he won it without (Bill) Belichick, right? And it was essentially the same roster that Jameis Winston had the year before. The reason Saquon's, in my opinion, is better than Tom's is because of what happened with the Giants.

"I really believe that Saquon is a player people can see themselves in."

Brady's Tampa Bay chapter proved his excellence beyond Bill Belichick's system. The move yielded his seventh Super Bowl ring in 2021. Yet Griffin sees Barkley's story as more compelling.

Saquon Barkley's career reborn in Philadelphia

NFL: NFC Championship-Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles - Source: Imagn

Griffin highlighted the emotional weight behind Saquon Barkley's decision to leave the New York Giants for Philadelphia.

"You pour your heart and your soul into something, and you just don't feel like it's being reciprocated by your boss or by the job that you work," Griffin said. "But then you go somewhere else and you are appreciated."

After the Eagles' investment, Barkley responded by joining the exclusive 2,000-yard rushing club. His league-leading 2,283 yards from scrimmage transformed Philadelphia's offense.

Barkley's mother, Tonya Johnson, pointed to deeper frustrations with his Giants tenure after the Eagles' NFC title win against the Washington Commanders on Sunday.

"It's great for him to finally be somewhere where he was able to showcase his talent without people talking about this or that," she said postgame.

His three-touchdown performance in Philadelphia's 55-23 NFC championship victory added $250,000 in incentives. The win also boosted his 2025 and 2026 base salaries by $250,000 each.

Barkley needs just 30 yards to break Terrell Davis' combined regular season and playoff rushing record (2,476). He'll chase history in Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs on his birthday, Feb. 9.

DraftKings places Saquon Barkley at +250 odds for Super Bowl MVP, behind only Patrick Mahomes. The same outlet favors Kansas City by 1.5 points.