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.
3. RB Saquon Barkley
Whether the Giants wish to extend him or not, they must figure out what exactly they are going to do with Saquon Barkley. While it originally seemed like he was just going to play out his franchise tag, that is now not the case. Barkley didn't sign his tender and isn't present for the start of the offseason program.
Last season, Barkley ran the ball 295 times for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns in addition to catching 57 passes for 338 yards. Barkley was arguably the Giants' best and most important player on offense. Losing him would be far from ideal, especially if they are forced to move on from him before the season starts.
Obviously, you can't pay running backs a ridiculous amount in today's NFL, and Barkley's original asking price was far too much. However, this sort of talent in the position isn't common and can't just instantly be replaced.
Hopefully, Schoen and Barkley can figure something out before the season starts in order to prevent more drama as the year goes on. It's completely up in the air if Barkley and Schoen will be able to get on the same page in the near future. This is causing plenty of anxiety for the Big Blue supporters.
2. OT Andrew Thomas
While the NY Giants still have until the end of the 2024 season before Andrew Thomas' contract expires, it may be better to get this done sooner rather than later. Thomas has been not only the Giants' best player but arguably the best left tackle in the entire NFL and is someone Schoen must not let go of.
Thomas's extension is one that would likely reset the market, as he is not only a top tackle in the league, but he will be just 25 years old when his rookie contract expires. The stability and elite level of play Thomas brings are nearly impossible to replicate, so it's likely that Schoen will just have to hand him a blank check.
Last season, Thomas allowed just 21 pressures and three sacks in 619 pass-blocking snaps, earning a PFF pass-blocking grade of 88.8. Considering how much scrutiny the Giants got for drafting Thomas fourth overall, we're very thankful that Dave Gettleman took the risk he did.
New York simply cannot afford to lose Thomas after 2024. While his contract will take a notable dent out of the Giants' cap space, Thomas will be worth every single penny of that contract. The Giants haven't had an offensive lineman like this in years. Thomas is a monster - and fans want him in town for the long haul.
1. DL Dexter Lawrence
Similar to Barkley, Dexter Lawrence has also made the decision to skip the start of the offseason program due to his contract situation. Unlike Barkley, however, Lawrence's contract is a far more pressing matter that must be done before the season starts.
After three very solid years with the Giants, Lawrence broke out into one of, if not the best defensive tackles in the entire NFL last season. Through 16 games, Lawrence racked up 61 combined tackles, nine sacks, 63 total pressures, and two forced fumbles.
The leap Lawrence took was absolutely incredible and unprecedented. While he had always been consistent and a solid player, I don't think many expected him to become arguably the best in the league at his position.
With the recent string of massive defensive tackle contract extensions, it is likely that Lawrence will be making north of $20 million on his new contract. Considering how important Lawrence is to the Giants' defense, this is a price the team must be willing to pay for their defensive MVP. Schoen has to get this done ASAP.
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