The New York Giants surprised everyone with how well they played during the 2022 season. The first year under the new regime of general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll could not have gone any better as they exceeded even the most optimistic of expectations.
New York ended up going 9-7-1 on the season, earning a Wild Card spot in the NFC. They made the most of their playoff change, defeating the Minnesota Vikings during Super Wild Card Weekend before getting blown out by the Philadelphia Eagles during the Divisional Round.
That matchup against the Eagles showed how much of a gap still existed between the teams, but the Giants are on the right path. Schoen had some salary cap space to play with this offseason and made a few upgrades that will help keep the team competitive.
There is still plenty of work left to do, but the Giants are back to being a respectable franchise. How did they look in their first time on the field this offseason? Here are four takeaways from the team’s minicamp practices.
4. Leonard Williams Contract
The mess that Schoen inherited was a gigantic one made by the previous general manager, Dave Gettleman. The salary cap situation that New York was in was abysmal, which left Schoen handcuffed in his first year on the job.
While he has done a good job of cleaning things up, there are a few tasks left to do. One of them is figuring out what to do with Leonard Williams. Entering the final year of his contract, Williams has the third largest cap hit in the NFL behind Patrick Mahomes and Ryan Tannehill at $32.3 million.
The Giants have shown a willingness to just eat that number for now, but an extension would give them some wiggle room. The only Williams would be approached about adjusting his contract status is if cap space is needed. Right now, Big Blue has $4.14 million to work with.
It will be something to keep an eye on as Williams isn’t the only player whose contract was a major topic of discussion. We will get to more on that later on in this piece.
3. Speed, Speed and More Speed
If there was one thing that the Giants had to do this offseason it was upgrade the speed and athleticism on the offensive side of the ball. New York had a methodical, sometimes even plodding offense in 2022. Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka got the most of the players on the roster, but reinforcements were needed.
Schoen delivered in spades. Tight end Darren Waller was acquired in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders for a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. When healthy, he is a dynamic playmaker using his athleticism to beat linebackers and safeties with deep crossing routes.
His presence will help take pressure off of Darius Slayton, who was the only downfield threat that the Giants had. 14 of their league-low 28 plays of 20+ yards were courtesy of Slayton, mostly from go-routes down the sideline.
Free agent signing, wide receiver Parris Campbell, also brings some explosiveness to the offense out of the slot. Those three, along with Isaiah Hodgins, could very well be the Giants’ starting skill position players when the season kicks off in September.
2. Rookies Already Shining
While Schoen didn’t have much money to spend during the 2022 offseason, he did make the most of his opportunities in the 2022 NFL Draft. He came away with three players who were primary starters at their respective positions as rookies; EDGE rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, right tackle Evan Neal and tight end Daniel Bellinger.
That number would have been four had wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson not torn his ACL. Even with that injury, seven of the 10 players selected appeared in double-digit games as even more could break into the lineup this season such as offensive lineman Joshua Ezeudu, defensive backs Cordale Flott and Dane Belton and linebacker Micah McFadden.
This year’s rookie class could have a similar impact. Schoen was actively making trades, ensuring that he landed the prospects he wanted. Two of the players he selected, cornerback Deonte Banks and offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz, are already running with the first units.
Their third-round pick, wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, is currently buried on the depth chart at practice. But, his speed and big play ability are elite, which could lead to him carving out a role in the team’s offense eventually down the road.
1. Saquon Barkley Contract Situation Unresolved
The biggest takeaway from the Giants’ OTAs is the absence of running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley is integral to the team finding success on the offensive side of the ball as their best playmaker. His absence would be felt in more ways than one as his leadership in the locker room is as important as his production on the field.
Right now, he and the Giants seem to be at a stalemate when it comes to negotiations. No progress has really been made, but both sides know they have some time. July 17th is the deadline for franchise-tagged players to work out a long-term contract.
Barkley was miffed at reports leaking about deals that were on the table being rescinded, so there are certainly some fences that need to be mended. But, most importantly, he wants to be with the Giants and they want him.
A deal that both sides can be happy with should be within reach that pays Barkley at least $23 million in guarantees, which is about what he would make on the franchise tag this season and next year. If the Giants offer a deal that clears that number and provides long-term security, something can be achieved.
