5 biggest winners and losers from NFL free agency
By Zak Musso
Winner: New York Giants
In a glass half full view, it has been a solid offseason in New York. After posting the sixth best QBR in 2022, the Giants rewarded Daniel Jones by giving him a four year, $160 million deal that can reach $195 million, with $82 million guaranteed. All of the guaranteed money is in the first two years of the deal, so if Jones regresses significantly, the Giants can painlessly move on after two seasons.
Schoen also smartly franchise tagged Saquon Barkley, allowing him to feel out the running back market before offering Barkley a long-term deal. The Giants also re-built the wide receiver room this offseason. Big Blue signed Parris Campbell, Jamison Crowder, and Jeff Smith. The G-Men also re-signed Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton to pair with returning wideouts Wan’Dale Robinson, Isaiah Hodgins, and Collin Johnson.
Most significantly, the Giants traded for Waller, who is arguably the second best tight end in football. The Giants traded pick No. 100 in the 2023 draft for Waller, the pick Big Blue got for trading Kadarius Toney to the Chiefs. Waller is the best pass-catching weapon Jones has had to work with in his career.
Schoen also signed inside linebacker Bobby Okereke to a four-year, $40 million deal to plug the biggest hole on the Giants defense. The Giants brought back all of their important offensive players, added to that group, and fixed their main defensive issue. That sounds like a win.