Episode one of “Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants” provided viewers with an inside look at the team’s front office discussions and decision-making processes. The episode began with a meeting centered around the future of running back Saquon Barkley, but it quickly became clear that quarterback Daniel Jones’ fate was intertwined with Barkley’s.
General manager Joe Schoen expressed resignation about Barkley’s likely departure in free agency and shifted the focus to Jones, the quarterback who was given a four-year, $160 million contract last March. Schoen questioned whether Jones was the long-term solution for the team or if they needed to pivot and find another quarterback.
These internal conversations within the Giants’ front office provide valuable insight into their plans for the upcoming season. The staff meetings showcased in the episode highlight the team’s efforts to chart a path forward after a disappointing 6-11 finish last season.
One of the most significant moments from the episode was the discussion surrounding Barkley’s future. The possibility of franchise tagging Barkley for a second time and then trading him was raised, but Schoen viewed it as unrealistic. Assistant general manager Brandon Brown wondered if there would be interested teams given Barkley’s talent, while senior vice president of football operations Kevin Abrams expressed doubt about any team being willing to pay Barkley’s tag cost and give up a draft pick in a trade.
Schoen openly contemplated the idea of trading Barkley, acknowledging the dramatic nature of such a move. He referenced the failed extension negotiations with Barkley in 2023, which he described as emotionally draining. Despite the potential controversies that could arise from their handling of the situation, Schoen emphasized the importance of doing what’s best for the franchise.
The conversation then shifted to the Giants’ offense without Barkley. Director of player personnel Tim McDonnell highlighted Barkley’s significant role in the offense and how the success of quarterback Daniel Jones depended on the run game. However, Schoen countered by prioritizing the upgrading of the offensive line. He emphasized that if they were paying the quarterback $40 million per year, it was not to hand the ball off to a $12 million running back. Schoen’s comments suggest that he expects Jones to be the driving force behind the Giants’ success, rather than relying heavily on a running back.
The episode also touched on a meeting between Schoen and team owner John Mara. They discussed the possibility of franchise tagging Barkley and the potential trade market for him. Schoen expressed his desire to “do the right thing” by letting Barkley hit free agency to discover his market value, in hopes that he would consider returning to the Giants.
Mara and McDonnell both expressed skepticism about letting Barkley walk, indicating their concerns about the offense’s ability to perform without him. This ultimately led to the Giants’ decision to let Barkley sign with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Throughout the episode, Schoen consistently directed the conversation back to Daniel Jones and whether he was the long-term solution for the team. Schoen acknowledged that Jones was making a significant amount of money and stressed the importance of protecting him. He highlighted the impact of a decimated offensive line on Jones’ performance in a previous game and emphasized the need for better protection moving forward.
The first episode of “Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants” provided viewers with a glimpse into the team’s internal discussions and decision-making processes. It shed light on the Giants’ plans for the upcoming season, including their focus on upgrading the offensive line and relying on Daniel Jones as their quarterback. The episode also highlighted the challenges and controversies surrounding Saquon Barkley’s departure and showcased the team’s commitment to doing what’s best for the franchise.