Joe Schoen, the general manager of the New York Giants, faced a challenging offseason as he navigated the team’s salary cap and made decisions on key players. Despite the difficulties, Schoen made some strategic moves that aligned with a blueprint for success outlined by an expert.
One of the first notable actions Schoen took was cutting wide receiver Kenny Golladay, who had been one of former GM Dave Gettleman’s costly mistakes. This move saved the team $6.7 million in cap space but left $14.7 million in dead money. It is uncertain if Golladay will play in the NFL again after recording just 43 catches in two seasons with the Giants.
Another significant decision Schoen made was to sign quarterback Daniel Jones to a four-year, $160 million deal. While the expert suggested a five-year, $185 million contract, Jones’ camp pushed for $47 million per year. The contract includes an escape hatch for the Giants after 2024, allowing them to save $21.5 million in cap space.
However, Schoen’s handling of running back Saquon Barkley’s contract situation has not been resolved. The Giants used the franchise tag on Barkley, but a long-term extension has yet to be agreed upon. The expert believed that making a lucrative long-term commitment to any running back is a mistake and recommended exploring cheaper alternatives.
Schoen followed the expert’s advice when it came to keeping internal free agents. He allowed several contributors from the previous season to leave in free agency, signing relatively modest contracts elsewhere. The Giants also re-signed a group of free agents for deals around the veteran’s minimum, except for wide receiver Darius Slayton, who received a two-year, $12 million contract.
Rather than forcing a big signing at the wide receiver position, Schoen opted to sign mid-level receivers like Parris Campbell. He focused on addressing multiple positions in free agency to plug gaps in the roster, particularly on the defensive line, inside linebacker, and cornerback spots.
However, Schoen has yet to take action on defensive tackle Leonard Williams, whose $32.3 million cap hit is a significant concern for the team. It remains to be seen whether the Giants will negotiate an extension or restructure Williams’ contract.
Overall, Schoen’s offseason moves aligned with the expert’s blueprint, showcasing a strategic approach to building the Giants’ roster for the upcoming season. Only time will tell if these decisions were the right ones and contribute to the team’s success.