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The Hidden Lesson Behind the Saquon Barkley Trade
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure
The Philadelphia Eagles romping of the Kansas City Chiefs in Sunday’s Super Bowl, has led me to delve deeper into their star running back, Saquon Barkley a little deeper. I knew he had been traded by the New York Giants (the team that drafted him), but was unaware of the circumstances surrounding the trade.
Saquon became a free agent at the end of the 2023–24 season. His agent, Ed Berry, informed New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen, the Giants would need to offer a three year deal worth 12.5 million per year with a $25 million guarantee.
Schoen advised Barkley to “test the open market”, to see what his true value was and that the Giants would try to match the offer. In reality, the Giants didn’t believe Saquon was worth $12.5 million per year and could likely get him to re-sign with the team for less.
The Giants were soon proven wrong. Saquon signed with the Philadelphia Eagles with a three-year $37.75 million contract and $26 million guaranteed. The contract has made Saquon the second highest paid running back in the NFL.
The lesson in this is to know your worth and stick to it. Someone is always on the hunt for your services and willing to pay you accordingly.
