Eagles' Offense Ranked over 49ers' by NFL Insiders After Saquon Barkley Contract

A number of NFL evaluators who spoke with ESPN's Jeremy Fowler would prefer to have the Philadelphia Eagles personnel on offense as opposed to the talented group the San Francisco 49ers are working with, though it's a close call.

"Better offensive line, better core of receivers," an AFC executive told him. "Saquon [Barkley] will be a big piece. I'm taking the O-line. Very close. Some of what San Francisco does well is because Kyle [Shanahan] is making it work."

Quarterback might be a wash after Jalen Hurts regressed in 2023 and Brock Purdy took a positive step. If Hurts returns to the form that saw him finish as the runner-up in the MVP to Patrick Mahomes and lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl, however, the Birds would take the lead at quarterback.

The Niners win outright at running back. Christian McCaffrey is the best player at his position in football, though Saquon Barkley is in the next tier of backs and an excellent addition to Philly's offense.

The Niners get the edge at tight end, where George Kittle is a more complete player than Dallas Goedert. The Eagles get the slight edge at wideout, however, where A.J. Brown is the best player at the position between the two teams and his duo with DeVonta Smith slightly trumps the combo of Brandon Aiyuk (assuming he remains in San Francisco) and the versatile Deebo Samuel.

The Niners arguably have the best overall lineman of the bunch in left tackle and current holdout Trent Williams, though the trio of Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata and Landon Dickerson gives the Eagles the overall edge at that position group.