The 2023 NFL Draft has come and gone for the New York Giants, but Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll still have plenty of work to do with the roster. The additions of Deonte Banks, John Michael Schmitz and Jalin Hyatt have fans buzzing; even the UDFA signing of Bryce Ford-Wheaton has the Giants fanbase excited given his size and potential in the league.
But for the Giants general manager and head coach, there are still long hours ahead. Exercising the fifth-year option on Andrew Thomas was a no-brainer, but on the flip side some more difficult decisions will be on the way. After all, NY finished up a 9-7-1 season that ended with a playoff berth. But it also ended with a demoralizing defeat to their rivals in the Philadelphia Eagles, who seemed to have a strong draft of their own.
So, what do the Giants need to do moving forward for the team? Lets take a look at what Schoen can get started with:
4. Find common ground on getting Saquon Barkley a new deal
Saquon Barkley wasn’t too thrilled about having the franchise tag placed on him, but the fortunate thing for Barkley and the Giants is that it was the non-exclusive franchise tag, which allows for both sides to try and work out a deal by July 17, unlike the regular franchise tag that players like Evan Engram and Josh Jacobs received.
Schoen said that he and Barkley's representatives are expected to reconvene soon on working on a potential deal for the star running back, which has given a lot of fans hope that there is a possible light at the end of the tunnel. Will an extension be on the way sooner than later?
Joe Schoen said they will “reconvene” and have conversations with Saquon Barkley’s representatives about a new contract after the draft. Schoen said they’ve even had talks recently about a contract extension.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) April 29, 2023
Barkley did initially reject the long-term deal the Giants had proposed around the trade deadline mid-season which would have paid him around $12.5 million per year. However, that was also before the market for running backs would plummet in free agency; a move many are saying is an error on Barkley's representatives.
Regardless, Barkley is still the Giants best skill player who has a tremendous rapport with Daniel Jones, Daboll and the entire locker room given how they view him as a leader on and off the field. Finding middle ground on a deal to make Barkley happy and keep him in the Giants offense while he's still in his prime years is best for both sides.