New York Giants face decisions on Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley
The New York Giants made a surprise playoff appearance in 2022. However they now have tough calls on Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley.
Last offseason, the New York Giants overhauled the front office and coaching staff, led by the hirings of general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll. Now, it’s free-agent decisions on quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley.
In 2022, the combination of Schoen and Daboll took over a 4-13 roster and without adding major pieces, transformed the group into a 9-7-1 team which won an NFC Wild Card game over the Minnesota Vikings.
Want $250 to bet on NFL futures?
However, after losing 38-7 to the Philadelphia Eagles in the next tilt, the Giants were left with months ahead filled with uncertainty.
For Jones, he’s coming off a career year in which he threw for 3,205 yards and 15 touchdowns, but critically only threw five interceptions. Jones also ran for 708 yards, showcasing the ability to be a dynamic threat when he pulls the ball down.
While there are reports Jones is looking for $45 million per year, those numbers are unrealistic. However, he could be given the non-exclusive franchise tag for $32.4 million, leaving open the possibility a team signs him to an offer sheet. If that happens, the Giants have a week to match and if they don’t, Big Blue receives two first-round picks. Frankly, it’s highly unlikely Jones gets an offer with that high of compensation coming back.
As for Barkley, is Jones gets the tag, the former first-round running back is set for free agency. At 26 years old, he would be one of the most high-profile free agents, but there are question marks. Barkley has missed 19 games trough five seasons, including 14 with a torn ACL in 2020. Yet this season, Barkley ran for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns on 4.4 yards per carry, showcasing his elite talent.
Read: Chiefs Make Matt Nagy New Offensive Coordinator
Will New York give Barkley a deal at or near the top of the market, or will Schoen allow Barkley to leave, giving himself more cap space and a compensatory pick to continue remaking the rest of New York’s roster?
A year ago, the Giants got both of their big decisions correct. Can they do the same this time around?
