Saquon Barkley’s Trade Request Revealed in New Documentary

A newly released documentary reveals that star running back Saquon Barkley requested a trade from the New York Giants during a phone call with owner John Mara in the summer of 2023. The documentary, titled “Saquon,” produced by acclaimed filmmaker Martin Scorsese, premieres on Prime Video just before the Giants face off against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The pivotal moment occurred on July 17, 2023, which marked the last day for Barkley to sign a long-term deal with the Giants after they had placed the franchise tag on him several months prior. Barkley played for the Giants throughout the 2023 season but later signed with the Eagles as a free agent in 2024, leading them to a Super Bowl victory in his first season with the division rival—a move that reportedly left Mara feeling “sick.”

Barkley’s trade request stemmed from lengthy negotiations that spanned nearly two years. During the phone conversation, he expressed frustration over the contract situation, indicating that he did not believe they would reach an agreement. “I want to run something by you real quick,” Barkley said. “I just talked it over with my agent. Once again, I appreciate that. But I brought this up to [general manager] Joe [Schoen] a couple times and he kind of declined me. He said ownership won’t allow it.”

Mara’s response was clear: he had no intention of allowing Barkley to leave. “Nah, Saquon, I’m not going to do that,” he stated. “That makes no sense for us, and to be honest with you, it’s not going to be in your long-term best interest to do that.” The Giants were not willing to trade their star player, especially after a playoff victory and Barkley’s impressive Pro Bowl season.

Barkley, who was drafted second overall by the Giants in the 2018 NFL Draft, quickly became a standout player, earning the Pro Bowl and Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in his first season. However, injuries and limited team success plagued the following years. Despite these challenges, the Giants remained committed to Barkley, who they regarded as their best offensive player.

The documentary illustrates how the protracted negotiations affected Barkley’s performance. He noted, “They really don’t appreciate me, to be completely honest,” following a game where he rushed for 35 carries against the Houston Texans. He further commented on the principles behind the negotiations, stating he would have accepted a deal in the range of $10 million to $11 million if handled differently.

During the 2023 season, Barkley rushed for 962 yards in 14 games, contributing to the Giants’ overall record of 6-11. The franchise opted not to tag him again the following offseason. Ultimately, Barkley signed with the Eagles, where he rushed for an impressive 2,005 yards and secured the title of NFL Offensive Player of the Year while winning the Super Bowl.

In the documentary, Barkley disclosed that he had received an offer from the Giants for $11.5 million per season with $23 million guaranteed before the trade deadline. In contrast, his deal with the Eagles amounted to $37 million over three years, including $26 million guaranteed. After joining the Eagles, Barkley received a text from Mara expressing his disappointment. “I am sick about losing you,” Mara wrote. “But I understand and respect your decision. We appreciate everything you did for this franchise. You are a class act. Wish you and your family nothing but the best.”

The documentary, which spans five years, began with Barkley’s recovery from a torn ACL in his right knee early in the 2020 season and culminates in his Super Bowl triumph. It captures his struggles through personal video diaries, showcasing his journey back to elite performance while balancing the responsibilities of fatherhood.