Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley share a time in history where it's difficult for a running back to be truly paid in the NFL. Even though Barkley entered the NFL a year earlier, they both hit free agency at the same time because the Las Vegas Raiders didn't exercise Jacobs' fifth-year option. In 2023, both received franchise tags from their original teams. This year, without an extension in place and without a new tag, Jacobs and Barkley hit true free agency and switched teams.

Saquon signed a three-year, $37.75 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, with $26 million fully guaranteed at signing. Jacobs agreed to a four-year, $48 million deal with the Green Bay Packers, with $12.5 million guaranteed. To complement this unique circumstance, the star running backs will debut for their new teams at the same time, on Friday, when the Packers and the Eagles play in Brazil.

For Josh Jacobs, the role has an extra responsibility. He has to replace Aaron Jones, a highly-productive player and a fan favorite. With a strong track record of production and leadership in Las Vegas, Jacobs wants to have a clean start for the Packers.

"I'm just trying to not let it be me, the guy who messes it up," Jacobs said. "That's my biggest thing going into game 1, is just trying to be very disciplined in my keys, and try to put my little spin on it when I get a chance."

Over his six seasons with the Raiders, Jacobs was a First-Team All-Pro in 2022, the same year in which he led the NFL in rushing yards, and a two-time Pro Bowler (2020, 2022). He's coming from what can be considered a down year, but still reached 1,000 scrimmage yards in 2023 — 805 rushing and 296 receiving. In his best season two years ago, Jacobs surpassed 2,000 scrimmage yards, running for 1,653 and receiving for 400. It's a type of production the Packers haven't had in a long time, because Jones never carried the volume necessary to do so.

Even though Matt LaFleur philosophically prefers to have a rotation at running back to keep the players fresh, he knows Jacobs can carry a heavier workload.

"I think he is very capable of being a high-volume feature back, where he's getting a bulk of the carries," LaFleur said earlier this year. "But we will see how it plays out"

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Meanwhile, in Philly

The idea of adding a high-priced running back is unusual for an analytically-inclined general manager like Howie Roseman. But it might be just a market correction, considering how the market has stalled. After years with subpar play at the position, the Eagles can trust Barkley to add another dimension to what already is a diverse offense.

Xavier McKinney, who also left the Giants in free agency and signed with the Packers, knows how productive and impactful Saquon can be.

"He's just dynamic with the ball," McKinney mentioned. "He's pretty much all you want a back to do. He can just do it all. He's a special back, one of one."

Barkley played seven seasons with the Giants, with two Pro Bowl selections, and was the offensive rookie of the year in 2018. After a sequence of two down years with injuries, he's coming from two strong seasons. In 2023, he had 1,242 scrimmage yards and 10 total touchdowns.

In Brazil, a new history begins for two of the best running backs in football.

Three reasons behind the Packers’ decision to move on from Aaron Jones to sign Josh Jacobs

Green Bay released Jones after seven seasons