When Saquon Barkley wasn’t paid upfront during the previous offseason, the New York Giants committed an error. Outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux thinks the Giants ought to have paid running back Barkley before quarterback Daniel Jones, for this reason.
Thibodeaux revealed the information to the public when appearing on the podcast “7PM in Brooklyn.” Thanks to Talkin’ Giants.”I believe in Daniel Jones,” Thibodeaux declared Thursday, January 25, while speaking with hosts Anthony Carmelo and The Kid Mero. What irritates me about Saquon is that, based on the game and video, he was in charge of at least thirty percent of our explosive plays, specifically in the playoff game we won in 2022. Consequently, for me and the integrity of cooperating and working hard work, and we all believe the same things, I feel like Saquon should have got paid first.”
Thibodeaux went on, “I’m not familiar with the back end. It could be an extension, a franchise (brand), or just plain old blah blah blah. That is not relevant to me. I can concentrate on myself.
Whether deliberate or not, Thibodeaux’s statement will increase the pressure on Giants general manager Joe Schoen to decide what will happen to Barkley. The two-time Pro Bowler isn’t interested in receiving the franchise tag as he is a free agent.
That puts Schoen in a difficult situation. It’s a delicate balancing act to recognise the declining importance of running backs in the modern NFL while simultaneously paying the Giants’ most gifted offensive player fairly.
In 2023, Schoen made no hesitation in selecting his quarterback over Barkley. Jones’s struggles and eventual placement on injured reserve due to a ruptured ACL made the decision backfire.Thibodeaux’s remarks refocused attention on the front office error. It is the last thing Schoen needs in the lead-up to an important rebuilding offseason.
Kayvon Thibodeaux Adding Unwanted Distraction to Saquon Barkley Saga
It doesn’t take much to make the connection between Thibodeaux voicing his viewpoint and the ensuing dispute. “Kayvon speaking publicly on podcasts is 100% gonna drag him into the NY media mess— I’m here for it cuz it’s honest and I wanna hear what he has to say but the vultures are circling,” stated Alex Wilson of Empire Sports Media.
It’s simple to criticise the media for recognising the possible harm Thibodeaux’s remarks could cause. However, Thibodeaux’s remarks are not easily misunderstood.
He is upset that the Giants didn’t pay Barkley first and believes they ought to have. Thus, it follows that it was a mistake to pay Jones first.
Thibodeaux made no compromises. He made no bones about Barkley’s right to a paycheck. If Schoen is not forthcoming with a deal this year, there may be tension in the dressing room due to his staunch backing of Barkley.
According to Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post, there may be an issue. “In the locker room, where his leadership, production as the team’s best offensive playmaker six years in a row, and impact in the community as a two-time nominee for Walter Payton Man of the Year carry respect,” the author observed, Barkley has no shortage of admirers.The Giants have utilised Barkley’s injury history—three missing games in 2023—as well as the fact that running backs are valued less across the board as negotiating chips, according to Dunleavy.
Should there be a growing belief that Schoen has not done enough for Barkley, the Giants may find themselves divided and with discontent as they approach a crucial season.
Joe Schoen, Giants Need Daniel Jones to Prove Worthy of Contract
This season’s 6-11 result has solidified the focus on Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll. They must demonstrate that 2022’s unexpected playoff run was not an anomaly.
Jones has a crucial part to do. Schoen paid him an annual compensation of $40 million, which he must prove worthy of.
Given his high salary, Jones is unlikely to leave anytime soon. That eliminates the possibility that the Giants will choose a quarterback in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Schoen has to concentrate on surrounding Jones with more talented people instead. His biggest needs are at wide receiver and along the offensive line.
Malik Nabers, a wide receiver from LSU, can be selected with the sixth overall pick to address the latter need. Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN says he’s the proper option.
Kiper emphasised that Nabers had “17 catches of 30-plus yards” in 2023, demonstrating his big-play potential. Last season, Nabers also plagued single coverage, according to PFF College.
Jones wants a receiver who can quickly spread the field and win one-on-one contests. Nabers is a good fit, but the Giants would be better served finding a means to give Jones a legitimate No. 1 receiver while retaining Barkley in the lineup.
