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The NFL saw a flurry of major contracts handed out Thursday. After the Los Angeles Rams rewarded their quarterback with a massive new deal, the New York Giants made a more puzzling decision. Reports indicate the Giants extended general manager Joe Schoen.
The move raises legitimate questions. Wanting stability alongside a new head coach makes sense. Extending a general manager whose tenure has largely disappointed is a different story. Some fans and media members blame the previous coaching staff for the regression following the team’s 2022 playoff run, but that does not absolve Schoen of responsibility.
MORE: Matthew Stafford gets big pay in limited time left with Los Angeles Rams
Schoen’s tenure has featured questionable roster management, shaky coaching decisions, and several costly missteps. The Giants appear to have prioritized organizational stability over accountability. Instead of an extension, the remainder of Schoen’s contract arguably should have served as a prove-it period.
New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
His first two draft classes have already raised concerns. The Giants used three first-round picks during that stretch, and none have consistently met expectations. Evan Neal has struggled with injuries and eventually changed positions. Deonte Banks was benched last season, while reports suggest Kayvon Thibodeaux could be on the trade block.
The concerns extend beyond player evaluation. Schoen and the Giants also faced scrutiny during the 2022 coaching search, a process that eventually became tied to a lawsuit involving Brian Flores. Flores reportedly received a text from Bill Belichick indicating he was “their guy,” only to later learn the Giants planned to hire Brian Daboll instead. According to reports, that revelation came before Flores even completed his first interview.
MORE: Giants provide Malik Nabers injury update after 2nd surgery
Still, the defining failure of Schoen’s tenure may center on the organization’s choice between Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley. In one of the franchise’s most criticized decisions in recent years, the Giants committed significant money to Jones while allowing Barkley to leave. Although some defended the move at the time, criticism never fully disappeared.
East Rutherford, NJ — July 24, 2024 — Owner John Mara and general manager Joe Schoen during the first day of training camp for the 2024 New York Giants. | Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
Jones received a lucrative extension, while Barkley eventually signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Schoen also drew attention for comments about the difficulty of allocating major contracts to both a quarterback and a running back in the same offense.
The contrast became impossible to ignore in 2024. Barkley won Offensive Player of the Year and helped lead Philadelphia to a Super Bowl title. Jones, meanwhile, was released during the season. Situations like that often cost NFL general managers their jobs.
MORE: Todd Monken might already regret taking Cleveland Browns job
Schoen also appears to have strong support from ownership. Reports indicate the Giants pursued John Harbaugh at one point, but Harbaugh preferred a structure in which he answered directly to ownership rather than through the general manager. While that setup is not unusual across the NFL, it reportedly became a sticking point during discussions.
Right now, the evidence supporting a Schoen extension feels thin. The Giants made a major commitment without much tangible success to justify it to fans or the media. If recent history is any indication, this decision could become another regrettable chapter for the Giants organization.
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The move raises legitimate questions. Wanting stability alongside a new head coach makes sense. Extending a general manager whose tenure has largely disappointed is a different story. Some fans and media members blame the previous coaching staff for the regression following the team’s 2022 playoff run, but that does not absolve Schoen of responsibility.
MORE: Matthew Stafford gets big pay in limited time left with Los Angeles Rams
Schoen’s tenure has featured questionable roster management, shaky coaching decisions, and several costly missteps. The Giants appear to have prioritized organizational stability over accountability. Instead of an extension, the remainder of Schoen’s contract arguably should have served as a prove-it period.
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New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
His first two draft classes have already raised concerns. The Giants used three first-round picks during that stretch, and none have consistently met expectations. Evan Neal has struggled with injuries and eventually changed positions. Deonte Banks was benched last season, while reports suggest Kayvon Thibodeaux could be on the trade block.
The concerns extend beyond player evaluation. Schoen and the Giants also faced scrutiny during the 2022 coaching search, a process that eventually became tied to a lawsuit involving Brian Flores. Flores reportedly received a text from Bill Belichick indicating he was “their guy,” only to later learn the Giants planned to hire Brian Daboll instead. According to reports, that revelation came before Flores even completed his first interview.
MORE: Giants provide Malik Nabers injury update after 2nd surgery
Still, the defining failure of Schoen’s tenure may center on the organization’s choice between Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley. In one of the franchise’s most criticized decisions in recent years, the Giants committed significant money to Jones while allowing Barkley to leave. Although some defended the move at the time, criticism never fully disappeared.
You must be registered for see images attach
East Rutherford, NJ — July 24, 2024 — Owner John Mara and general manager Joe Schoen during the first day of training camp for the 2024 New York Giants. | Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
Jones received a lucrative extension, while Barkley eventually signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Schoen also drew attention for comments about the difficulty of allocating major contracts to both a quarterback and a running back in the same offense.
The contrast became impossible to ignore in 2024. Barkley won Offensive Player of the Year and helped lead Philadelphia to a Super Bowl title. Jones, meanwhile, was released during the season. Situations like that often cost NFL general managers their jobs.
MORE: Todd Monken might already regret taking Cleveland Browns job
Schoen also appears to have strong support from ownership. Reports indicate the Giants pursued John Harbaugh at one point, but Harbaugh preferred a structure in which he answered directly to ownership rather than through the general manager. While that setup is not unusual across the NFL, it reportedly became a sticking point during discussions.
Right now, the evidence supporting a Schoen extension feels thin. The Giants made a major commitment without much tangible success to justify it to fans or the media. If recent history is any indication, this decision could become another regrettable chapter for the Giants organization.
Continue reading...
