Who is Tank Bigsby and how the Philadelphia Eagles plan to use the young running back as Saquon Barkley’s backup

The Philadelphia Eagles recently made headlines by acquiring running back Tank Bigsby from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a pair of late-round draft picks. The trade, finalized just before the conclusion of Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season, raises questions about Bigsby’s potential role and who he is as a player.

Who is Tank Bigsby and why the Eagles are interested in him

Tank Bigsby, a former Auburn star, entered the NFL when the Jacksonville Jaguars selected him in the third round of the 2023 draft. In two seasons with the Jaguars, he totaled 910 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, showcasing flashes of explosive talent. Despite his promise, Bigsby struggled to find a consistent role in Jacksonville, especially in Week 1 of 2025, where he managed only 12 yards on five carries. The presence of Travis Etienne Jr.

firmly established as Jacksonville’s lead back contributed to Bigsby’s limited opportunities.

At just 23 years old, Bigsby offers the Eagles a young, versatile option behind star running back Saquon Barkley. Given Barkley’s heavy usage and the recent injury to Will Shipley, Philadelphia needed to bolster their backfield depth. NFL insider Mike Garafolo noted that Bigsby "could be used as a kick returner," suggesting the Eagles see multiple ways to integrate his skill set.

What this trade means for the Eagles ahead of the Super Bowl rematch

The Eagles have been active in reshaping their roster, making this their fifth trade since mid-August. Alongside acquiring Bigsby, Philadelphia also signed wide receiver John Metchie III, quarterback Sam Howell, and offensive tackles Fred Johnson and Darian Kennard. These moves reflect the team’s aggressive approach to remain competitive, particularly as they face a Super Bowl rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2.Also Read: Tyreek Hill trade rumors intensify after Miami Dolphins’ crushing Week 1 loss to ColtsBigsby’s addition could prove pivotal, not only as a backup but as a dynamic playmaker in special teams. His opportunity to contribute may come sooner than expected, especially in high-stakes games. As the season progresses, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Bigsby can fulfill his potential in Philadelphia’s high-powered offense.