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Saquon Barkley Rookie Cards are again back in vogue, and those intelligent enough to hold on to their early purchases are now getting paid off.
The closest completion probably comes from Zeke Elliot, but Barkley had a much better average per carrying and double the rushing TDs last year.
SHOP SAQUON BARKLEY ROOKIE CARDS ON EBAY
But most importantly, Zeke coughed up the ball a hard six times, while Saquon fumbled exactly ZERO times on 352 touches. As a rookie, he led the entire league in yards from scrimmage last year. He even ended the year at number 13 on the total receptions list. No other bank is that well-rounded.
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Saquon is also one of only three rookie running backs to break 2000 yards from scrimmage and take in 15 TDs.
The other two (Edgerrin James and Eric Dickerson) combined for 10 Pro Bowls, 6 All-Pros, and a Hall of Fame spot between them. Not a bad company.
Anyone who thinks his rookie season is an aberration, unlikely to be repeated, should look at his strength stats. Before entering the league, Saquon could squat 650 lbs and put up 225 lbs a crazy 29 times in a row at the combined bench press. Barkley has a serious work ethic that will translate into a long, dazzling career.
Whether you think Saquon Barkley’s the best RB in the league or not, one thing is clear: barring injury, this kid is on a straight path to Canton.
So let’s look at his best rookie cards for you to invest in before his destiny becomes obvious.
2018 Saquon Barkley Panini Contenders RC #102B
This magnificent find from Panini is a very well-rounded investment. The ticket and autograph create two strong connections to Saquon, and the holographic details make the card stand out from the crowd. The art featuring Barkley about to juke some poor defender out of cleats is classic. And the entire package comes wrapped in a 9.5 Gem Mint condition certification from Beckett.
2018 Saquon Barkley Panini Prizm RC #202
Here are the most common Barkley rookie card and one of the better ones in terms of ROI.
Numbered #202, the card shows Saquon picking his spot like the skillful running back he is… he is very skilled at putting his head down and running people over, BUT he can also pick his way through traffic with grace when needed.
2018 Saquon Barkley Panini Donruss RC #306
The Barkley Donruss Rated Rookie Card is one of our favorites. Saquan is mean mugging for the camera in the photo with the rock in his right hand… good luck prying that thing loose.
2018 Saquon Barkley National Treasures RC #169
This card will cost you an arm and a leg but will pay off BIG TIME if Saquan goes on to have some pro bowl caliber years.
2018 Saquon Barkley Panini Kaboom RC #40
KABOOM!
We love the KABOOM line of cards. Not only do they look super cool, but they are unlike anything else in the hobby today. The 2018 Saquon Barkley KABOOM rookie card is #40 and shows Saquon hurdling a left-for-dead linebacker… touchdown?!
His name is placed in the bottom left-hand corner, while the Giant’s team name is in the right. The rookie card logo is placed in the top right-hand corner.
Checklist
- 2018 Panini Donruss Rated Rookie Saquon Barkley RC #306
- 2018 National Treasures Saquon Barkley RC #169
- 2018 Panini Prizm Saquon Barkley RC #202
- 2018 Score Rookies Saquon Barkley RC #359
- 2018 Contenders Rookie Ticket Saquon Barkley RC #102A
- 2018 Contenders Rookie Ticket Saquon Barkley RC #102B
Saquon Barkley’s Rookie Card Value
The most valuable Saquan Barkley rookie card is the National Treasures /99 RPA. If you are looking to buy a Saquon Barkley football card but are unsure where to start, please email us at advice@goldcardauctions.com for help.
Investment Outlook
- Investment Rating: Buy (3.3 out of 5)
- Ownership Disclosure: None
- Best Saquon Barkley RC: 2018 Panini Contenders RC #102B
After dealing with injuries in the 2019 and 2020 seasons, we are intrigued by what he brought to the table in 2021.
UPDATE 2023: Barkley was one of the better running backs in the 2022-23 NFL season, and he should still have five more years before he lands on the wrong side of 30.