In his short time as NY Giants general manager, we've seen Joe Schoen make a plethora of moves that have looked brilliant. However, on the opposite end of the spectrum, Schoen has made some decisions that have drastically affected the Giants in negative ways and potentially even soured their playoff hopes for 2023.
While these decisions had good intentions, there's no doubt that Schoen messed up big time in making them. Giants fans are furious with the second-year GM right now and some are even calling for him to be canned. We're not there yet, but there's no question these four calls he's made since joining the team have been beyond disappointing:
4. Signing Mark Glowinski in 2022 and ignoring OL depth this offseason
In 2023, the Giants offensive line has been one of, if not the worst units in the entire NFL, and a big reason for it has to do with some of the depth decisions Schoen made this/last offseason. For example, the signing of Mark Glowinski has not paid off at all and has done some big damage to the Giants' offensive line.
Sure, a lot of the issues pertain to the injuries the line has sustained, but whether it be the putrid play of Glowinski, the release of Tyre Phillips in the summer (thankfully he's back), or the lack of any genuine guard depth, Schoen is still to blame. He has made some positive moves, don't get me wrong, but there's no reason that guys like Jalen Mayfield have suited up to play for the Giants this season.
As for Glowinski, he's been disastrous since signing with New York. While he's had a few good outings this season, almost every other game has been bad. For example, last season Glowinski had a PFF pass-blocking grade of 55.5 while allowing five sacks, and this season, despite playing just 252 pass-blocking snaps, Glowinski has allowed six sacks, which ranks first amongst guards.
There have been few positives from the offensive line this season and a lot of this can be blamed on the lack of depth. It's hard to predict injuries, but Schoen had to have had this unit more prepared to face adversity this season than they currently are.
3. Signing Tommy DeVito to be the No. 3 QB
Yes, you can't predict both your starting and backup QB getting injured in a span of a few weeks, but that doesn't make it okay that Schoen signed a UDFA out of Illinois who the coaching staff doesn't even trust to throw the ball. This lack of trust directly cost the Giants their potential victory against the Jets and played a large factor in their defeat to the Raiders this week.
Now, with the team having signed both Matt Barkley and Jacob Eason, their lack of trust in Tommy DeVito is as obvious as ever, making this blunder look even worse for Schoen. DeVito has had some cool moments as the Giants QB, but overall, his play has been far from ideal and Schoen looks rather silly for keeping him around.
In his two games, DeVito has completed 17 of his 27 pass attempts for 174 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. While the Giants trusted him to throw the ball more against the Raiders, the way they used him against the Jets two weeks ago was nothing short of embarrassing.
Having a QB on your roster who's simply not NFL-ready is a complete failure of the front office to put together the best roster possible. There are countless veterans who have been available all season and would make better options than DeVito. Yet, Schoen is resilient in keeping him around. This is going to haunt him for a while.
2. Drafting Evan Neal No. 7 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft
In all honesty, Schoen has done a pretty damn good job at drafting since taking over as the Giants' general manager. Players such as Kayvon Thibodeaux, Micah McFadden, Deonte Banks, and Cor'Dale Flott have all played big roles for the Giants this season. However, one draft pick that has haunted all of our dreams? Evan Neal.
Going into the draft in 2022, Neal was viewed as the best tackle in the class, having an absurd combination of size and athleticism. However, since making the transition to the NFL, almost all of the traits that made Neal such a drooled-over prospect have seemingly disappeared. Some of this likely has to do with the shift to right tackle, but it's been nearly two seasons at this position and he's shown little progress regardless.
Through 762 pass-blocking snaps in two seasons, Neal has allowed nine sacks and 69 pressures, earning a pass-blocking grade of 47.5 in his rookie season, while currently having a grade of 38.5 in 2023. There have been some bright moments, but overall, Neal has been pretty damn bad. While both of the other top tackles in Ikem Ekwonu and Charles Cross have struggled as well, Neal has been by far the worst.
1. Signing Daniel Jones to a four year, $160 million contract extension
At the time, many called this an overpay, and now, just one season in, the decision to sign Daniel Jones to such a massive deal is looking like one that could cost Schoen big time in the long run. While the way this contract is structured will make it simpler for the Giants to move on from Jones if they please, it's still not going to be easy.
Unfortunately for Jones, his future as the team's QB1 is in serious doubt. Not only did he have an incredibly rough start to the year, but after a neck injury and now a torn ACL, Jones won't have another chance to prove that he can be the Giants QB moving forward. This, combined with the likelihood of New York taking a QB if they have a top draft pick, makes this extension look even worse.
Jones hasn't been given a fair chance since being drafted by the Giants. Sure, he's had plenty of starts, but the team surrounding him has consistently led to his downfall. Whether it be the poor offensive lines and receiving cores, or the constant coaching changes, Jones has never had a real foundation.
Regardless, Jones has had chances nonetheless and really aside from last season, he's yet to rise to the occasion and it may be time for the Giants to move on. This will be difficult thanks to the contract extension, but it's time nonetheless. Caleb Williams to East Rutherford next April? Fans would love to see it.