Overview: The Giants’ season began with a 40-point loss at home against the Cowboys, and things didn’t get much better after that. By mid-November, New York was no longer in serious contention for the playoffs after failing to build on the success of Brian Daboll’s first season in management.
In the offseason, Daniel Jones inked a four-year, $160 million contract, but in Week 9, he suffered an ACL tear. Although he wasn’t particularly good prior to the injury, it’s difficult to evaluate whatever he (or Tommy DeVito, the short-lived successor) did because the offensive line gave up 85 sacks in total, which is the second-highest total since sacks were first recorded.
Do the Giants consider Jones to be their surefire starter going into 2024? For the second consecutive season, do they apply the franchise tag to standout running back Saquon Barkley (1,242 yards from scrimmage, 10 total touchdowns)? Do they select a WR1 with the sixth overall pick? Or do they utilize expensive resources to improve the defense, which wasn’t all that good on its own—especially against the run?
After 2022’s unexpected run to the divisional round, New York plodded back to Earth in the previous season. Daboll and company are under a lot of pressure to make the necessary corrections by autumn.
Important free agents
RB Barkley Saquon
CB Jackson Lovers LB Isaiah Simmons
SS Xavier McKinney
OLB Shawn Robinson, Jihad Ward DL
Who’s in and out: Barkley is the player to watch here, as new coach Shane Bowen is expected to implement a defensive makeover. The Giants would have to pay $12.1 million against the cap this season for a second consecutive franchise tag; however, the tag might be used as a stopgap measure to negotiate a longer-term deal with a lower cap charge rather than as a way to bring him back. Alternatively, they may decide to let Barkley, who is still among the league’s most productive backs despite not playing what most teams would consider a premium position, go undrafted.
