Giants GM gives a peek behind the curtain in pre-draft presser
The New York Giants let it be known that they envision a backfield containing both Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley when they signed the former and franchise-tagged the latter on the same day. Since then, Saquon and the team have been on different agendas when it comes to contract negotiations. The dispute continued into this […]
The New York Giants let it be known that they envision a backfield containing both Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley when they signed the former and franchise-tagged the latter on the same day.
Since then, Saquon and the team have been on different agendas when it comes to contract negotiations. The dispute continued into this week when Barkley wasn't present for the start of organized team activities, seeing as he has yet to sign the tag and can't legally participate.
So when Giants GM Joe Schoen held his pre-draft press conference earlier today, he tried his best to keep things all things draft, but his response to both Barkley questions and potential replacements was sure to make the news.
Schoen was energetic throughout most of the press conference, giving in-depth answers on the development of his staff, prospects, and even the contract situation with Dexter Lawrence.
But anytime the subject of Saquon Barkley and more specifically his contract negotiation was broached, you could visibly see a change in Schoen's demeanor. So much so, that it leaves you pondering if the two sides are even on the same page when it comes to the future of their relationship.
Now, thinking that Barkley is on his way is out of New York is still a little premature. Plenty of players come around to either playing on the tag, or coming off their initial number, situations the Giants brass would welcome.
But Schoen didn't pull any punches when asked about the prospects in this draft, more specifically about first-round prospects that include the likes of Bijan Robinson among others.
"There are a variety of players available at 25 and all positions will be evaluated," said Schoen. “I won’t pigeon hole myself into saying a specific position is ever out of the question and Bijan Robinson is a great player.
It could be a simple game of question and answer between Schoen and the media here, but general managers don't get to the spot they are in by being uncalculated. Schoen knew what was coming in today's presser, evident by his ability to shut down any Barkley questions.
And all good teams evaluate every position. The Chiefs and Eagles just met in the Super Bowl with Patrick Mahomes winning league MVP last season and Jalen Hurts a few days removed from signing the biggest contract in league history.
But I promise they have grades on every quarterback that you have seen mocked in the first round. Why? Because it's part of the job. Everyone is constantly being evaluated, regardless of stature.
So maybe Schoen was just playing up a promising prospect. But actions speak louder than words, and the action of having no communication with Barkley, Schoen's body language and expression when he heard the name "Saquon", and the Bijan Robinson comments, today's presser might be the smoke that starts a fire.
