Saquon Barkley Says Derrick Henry's New Contract Was Important for Him, CMC, More RBs

For most of NFL history, running backs typically haven't earned massive contract extensions after the age of 30.

Baltimore Ravens star Derrick Henry broke that mold this offseason. After an outstanding first season in Baltimore, the 31-year-old received a two-year, $30 million contract from the Ravens, making him the highest-paid running back over 30 in NFL history.

Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley said Henry changed the way NFL teams will view running backs like him, Christian McCaffrey and Josh Jacobs.

"I think the biggest one for me is Derrick. They say that running backs can't perform at a high level when they turn 29, when they turn 30," Barkley said on SportsCenter. "And Derrick Henry just proved that wrong and was able to extend again. So that means a lot for guys like myself and Christian and Josh who are looking to get a third contract."

Barkley, McCaffrey and Jacobs are all approaching 30, and in past years, that would have meant they were likely on their last big contracts. Because Henry has shown that it's possible for running backs over 30 to remain productive, those players' future deals could look much different.

Barkley has nothing to worry about for now since he signed a two-year, $41.2 million contract with the Eagles this offseason after rushing for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns.

He will be 30 when that deal expires, but thanks to Henry's success, he won't automatically be cast as a second-tier running back like he historically would have at that age.