Saquon Barkley Requested Trade from Giants Owner Pre-2023 Season

In a revealing documentary, Saquon Barkley disclosed his request for a trade from the New York Giants to owner John Mara. This conversation occurred on July 17, 2023, just after the deadline for a long-term contract deal, amid ongoing negotiations that had lasted nearly two years.

Details of the Trade Request

The documentary titled “Saquon,” produced by Martin Scorsese, is set to release on Thursday, right before the Giants take on the Philadelphia Eagles. During the phone call, Barkley expressed frustration over the negotiations, stating, “I’ve just seen the offer. I just talked it over with my agent.” He highlighted that he had discussed a trade with general manager Joe Schoen, who stated that ownership would not permit it.

Franchise Tag and Negotiations

The Giants placed a franchise tag on Barkley several months prior to the trade request, indicating their desire to retain their star running back. The team had recently won a playoff game, further complicating the situation.

• Barkley was drafted No. 2 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.
• He was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in his debut season.
• Despite injuries in subsequent years, Barkley rushed for 1,312 yards in 2022.

In response to Barkley’s trade request, Mara firmly denied it, noting the player’s value to the franchise. “That makes no sense for us,” Mara told Barkley, reiterating the importance of his role in the team.

Barkley’s Performance and Future

Throughout the 2023 season, Barkley rushed for 962 yards across 14 games. However, the Giants struggled with a 6-11 record and opted not to apply the franchise tag again the following offseason.

After signing with the Philadelphia Eagles, Barkley achieved remarkable success, leading the team to a Super Bowl in his first year. He also recorded 2,005 rushing yards, earning him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.

Contract Comparisons

Before the trade, the Giants offered Barkley a deal worth $11.5 million annually, with $23 million guaranteed. His contract with the Eagles is valued at $37 million over three years, which includes $26 million guaranteed.

After his transition to the Eagles, Barkley received a text from Mara expressing regret over the loss. Mara referred to Barkley as a “class act,” thanking him for his contributions to the franchise.

Documentary Insights

The documentary chronicles Barkley’s journey from his ACL injury in 2020 to his resurgence as an NFL star while also delving into his personal growth as a father. It highlights the challenges he faced during his rehabilitation and the intense negotiations that shaped his career decisions.