Saquon Barkley Reveals Trade Request to Giants in Documentary
A new documentary about Saquon Barkley reveals that the running back requested a trade from the New York Giants during a phone call with owner John Mara in the summer of 2023. The Prime Video documentary, “SAQUON”, produced by Martin Scorsese, shows Barkley asking for the change on July 17, 2023, the day the deadline to sign a long-term deal expired after the Giants applied the franchise tag to him several months earlier. Barkley, who played for the Giants during the 2023 season, signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent the following year and led them to the Super Bowl championship in his first season with the Giants’ division rival, a decision that left Mara “sick”. The long negotiations, which lasted for almost two years, were what caused the request for change.“I want to tell you about something quickly,” Barkley said in the phone conversation shown in the documentary. “I just saw the offer. I just talked about it with my agent. Once again, I appreciate it. But I mentioned this to Joe [Schoen, general manager] a couple of times and he turned me down. He said the ownership wouldn’t allow it.
Saquon Barkley
“It’s clear that I don’t think we’re going to get to a point where we can agree on a deal. So, would you allow me to seek a change?”
Saquon Barkley
“No, Saquon, no voy a hacer eso”, respondió Mara a la solicitud de cambio. “Eso no tiene sentido para nosotros y, para ser honesto contigo, no será lo mejor para ti a largo plazo. No permitiría que te cambiaran en este momento. No. Solo estoy siendo honesto contigo”.
John Mara
“Alright, I appreciate it,” Barkley said.
Saquon Barkley
The documentary shows how the negotiations affected Barkley. Admittedly, sometimes, it affected his game. But even during a 2022 season in which he ran for 1,312 yards, the second-most of his career, it was on Barkley’s mind.“You are too valuable to this franchise,” Mara added.
John Mara
Later he added: “Every time I talk about this shit, my blood boils. It’s the beginning. That’s all. It’s just the beginning. I would have signed for 10 million dollars, 11 million dollars if they had operated in a completely different way.” Barkley played the 2023 season and ran for 962 yards in 14 games, as the Giants finished with a 6-11 record. They did not use the franchise tag for the second consecutive year that offseason. Barkley ran for 2,005 yards in his first season with the Eagles, which ended with him winning the Super Bowl and being named NFL Offensive Player of the Year. The star revealed in the documentary that he was offered $11.5 million per season and $23 million guaranteed in a deal from the Giants before the July 2023 deadline. His deal with the Eagles is for $37 million over three seasons, including $26 million guaranteed. After signing with the Eagles, Barkley received a text message from Mara. “I feel bad for losing you,” Mara’s message said, according to Barkley. “But I understand and respect your decision. We appreciate everything you did for this franchise. You are a role model. I wish you and your family all the best.” The documentary, filmed over five years, began when Barkley tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee at the beginning of the 2020 season and extends to last summer, after the Super Bowl victory. It shows Barkley’s struggles through video diaries made by himself, how he strived to become one of the best players in the league while becoming a father.“They don’t really appreciate me, to be completely honest,” Barkley said after 35 carries in a win over the Houston Texans.
Saquon Barkley
