Mike Tomlin: Saquon Barkley is the most significant acquisition in the NFL in 2024

The Steelers haven’t seen much of Saquon Barkley throughout his career, but they’re sure to get a heavy dose of the league’s leading rusher in Sunday’s matchup between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin praised Barkley during his Tuesday press conference, calling the running back “the most significant acquisition in the NFL in 2024.”

“That’s what the tape looks like,” Tomlin said. “He’s been dominant, eye-opening at times, obviously. Highlight-reel caliber plays, long runs, touchdowns, etc. It starts there for us. If you can’t minimize him in some way, you’re not even going to position yourself to have a chance to be successful.

“And so, obviously, he’s got a lot of our attention at the early stages of the week, but he can’t have the totality of your attention.”

While the Eagles do have other weapons and Tomlin mentioned that Barkley’s brilliant season is helped made possible by the club’s strong offensive line, Barkley is clearly the straw that stirs the drink. Tomlin noted the last time Barkley played the Steelers was in 2020. It was the season opener, and the Steelers held Barkley to just 6 yards on 15 carries in a game Pittsburgh won 26-16.

Given his skillset and the talent around him, Barkley should be leagues above that yardage total on Sunday.

“He’s dynamic,” Tomlin said. “He checks all the boxes in terms of physical talent, he’s got top-end speed. He can hit the home run, as evidenced [by] the Rams game. He’s good in tight-space areas. He can get downhill. He can lower his pads and run behind his pads. He’s got good lateral abilities. He can make people miss.

“He’s just a really complete player, and obviously been a significant acquisition for them.”