Although the New York Giants are not in New Orleans this week for Super Bowl LIX, general manager Joe Schoen and Big Blue are sitting at home thinking about how to return to the big game. Schoen and the Giants' front office will prioritize this offseason, addressing the quarterback position in free agency and this year's NFL Draft.
Despite not making the Super Bowl, the Giants are still being discussed, and there are plenty of ties to the team in this year's game. One of the most significant storylines heading into Sunday is former Giants running back Saquon Barkley leading the Philadelphia Eagles to his first Super Bowl appearance.
Barkley is having a magical first season with Philly, as he has had arguably one of the best seasons at the running back position. He totaled 2,005 rushing yards on 345 carries with 13 touchdowns, averaging 5.8 yards per carry this year, leading to his third Pro Bowl and first All-Pro selections.
While most of the questions for Saquon are directed at his impeccable season and how he will match up this Sunday against a well-tested Steve Spagnuolo Chiefs defense, one interviewer had a unique question for the All-Pro running back.
Free agent quarterback Jameis Winston, who asked questions for FOX during the first media session of the week, asked Barkley which team should sign him in free agency. Saquon did not hold back and took a jab at the Giants, saying he thinks his former team needs a quarterback.
Jameis Winston: “Who should sign me in free agency?”
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 4, 2025
Saquon Barkley: “I think the New York Giants need a quarterback right now.”
💀💀
(🎥 @FOS)
pic.twitter.com/hysAGE7kq1
Should Joe Schoen take Saquon's advice and sign Jameis Winston?
Winston told Barkley that he didn't have a job and wanted Barkley's opinion on where he should sign. Saquon replied that the Giants need a quarterback, which is interesting because he would have this on his mind and have this answer ready to go right away with so many distractions and things going on throughout Super Bowl week.
While Barkley, a likable player with the Giants, left New York for a divisional rival in free agency almost a year ago, it is still one of the most talked-about headlines in the NFL and all of sports. Seeing Saquon not only go to Philadelphia but exceed expectations and then take a jab at the Giants hurts even more for Big Blue fans.
While Barkley must be frustrated with his previous employer, whether he admits it or not, he could have given them a great idea to pursue Winston in free agency. The veteran signal-caller also told NJ Media he would "absolutely" welcome the idea of playing for the Giants.
The 31-year-old finished this season with the Cleveland Browns with 2,121 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Winston will likely not re-sign with the Browns and will be looking for a change of scenery, and New York could be the perfect fit for the veteran.
The Giants plan to draft someone with either the No. 3 pick in the NFL Draft or even wait until the second round to draft a quarterback, but Winston could be viewed as a short-term option for the G-Men and serve as a mentor to whichever prospect they draft.
Suppose the Giants do sign Winston in free agency. Should Schoen be thanking Barkley, or is it just a coincidence?