Coming off the heels of their best season since 2016, many people may think it's all sunshine and rainbows for the NY Giants. However, the Football Gods never let anything be easy and Joe Schoen is now faced with having to hand out multiple extensions in the coming years.
Some are more important than others, and there's honestly a good chance we see Schoen let some key players walk in order to retain the Giants' superstars. Regardless, something needs to be done, and soon.
These four players are either extension eligible or have an expiring contract that must be resolved. Not only are these guys important for the team's chances of success, but their presence in the locker room is equally as important and cannot be lost:
4. S Xavier McKinney
Since being drafted by the Giants in 2020, Xavier McKinney has been one of the better and more consistent safeties in the entire NFL. However, after the 2023 season, his rookie contract expires, meaning that Schoen may want to get working on an extension soon.
McKinney's ability in coverage is among the best in the league. While he may not have snagged five interceptions as he did in 2021, McKinney still scared opposing offenses enough into not throwing at him.
Through just nine games in 2022, McKinney racked up 42 combined tackles and one sack while allowing just nine receptions on 18 targets for 153 yards and one touchdown. The difference in the Giants' defense when McKinney was off the field was incredibly noticeable and showed how important he is to this team.
It's tough to gauge how much McKinney could possibly get paid. However, Schoen and the front office must do what they can to bring him back. Losing a valuable piece like McKinney on defense will hurt the team for years to come and is something they can't afford to lose.