The 23-year-old linebacker slams the Giants for Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones’ mistake…

January 26, 2024 247football-now new york giants 0

In a recent podcast appearance on the “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast, outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux criticized the New York Giants for not prioritizing running back Saquon Barkley over quarterback Daniel Jones in the previous offseason. Thibodeaux expressed his belief that Barkley should have been paid first, highlighting his significant contribution to the team’s explosive plays, particularly during the playoff run in the year 2022.

Thibodeaux’s comments, made on January 25, are likely to increase the pressure on Giants’ general manager Joe Schoen to address Barkley’s future. The two-time Pro Bowler is currently a free agent and has made it clear that he does not want the franchise tag. This puts Schoen in a challenging position, needing to balance paying the team’s most talented offensive player appropriately with the evolving landscape of the NFL, which places less value on running backs.

The decision to prioritize Jones over Barkley in 2023 proved to be a setback when Jones struggled and eventually landed on injured reserve with a torn ACL. Thibodeaux’s remarks now bring attention back to this strategic misstep by the front office, creating an unwanted distraction for Schoen as he approaches a crucial offseason of rebuilding.

Thibodeaux’s public comments have added fuel to the ongoing Saquon Barkley saga, potentially creating more turmoil in an already challenging situation. Alex Wilson of Empire Sports Media noted that Thibodeaux’s openness could attract attention from the media, describing it as an “honest” but potentially messy situation.

Thibodeaux’s unambiguous stance that Barkley deserved to be paid first could potentially lead to dissension within the locker room if Schoen fails to secure a deal for the running back this year. Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post highlighted Barkley’s strong support within the team, emphasizing his leadership, consistent offensive performance, and community impact.

Schoen’s negotiating position has been influenced by Barkley’s injury history, including three missed games in 2023, and the league-wide trend of devaluing running backs in contract negotiations. If there is a perception that Schoen has not treated Barkley fairly, it could result in a disgruntled and divided team heading into a pivotal season.

As the Giants aim to bounce back from a disappointing 6-11 season, both Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll face scrutiny to prove that the team’s unexpected playoff appearance in 2022 was not a fluke. A key player in this endeavor is quarterback Daniel Jones, who must justify the significant contract Schoen awarded him.

Jones’s $40 million annual salary makes him a fixture on the team, eliminating the possibility of the Giants selecting a quarterback in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. Instead, Schoen’s focus should be on surrounding Jones with better talent, particularly along the offensive line and at wide receiver.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. suggests that the Giants could address the wide receiver need by selecting LSU’s Malik Nabers with the sixth overall pick in the upcoming draft. Kiper highlights Nabers’ ability to make big plays, with 17 catches of 30-plus yards in 2023, and his effectiveness against single coverage according to PFF College.

While addressing the wide receiver position is crucial, Thibodeaux’s comments underscore the importance of finding a way to secure a true No. 1 receiver for Jones while still retaining Barkley. Balancing these considerations will be pivotal for Schoen as he navigates a critical offseason for the New York Giants.

 

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