PALM BEACH, Fla. — Joe Schoen immediately called Saquon Barkley and revealed that the first-year general manager understands that communication is king when it comes to not bickering or misconstruing anything with his players.
Last month, the NFL Scouting Combine’s Schoen said, “I’m open to anything” when asked about the opportunity to trade Barkley. For some, this has been interpreted (wrongly) as Schoen acknowledging that he would actively shop Barkley. Sensing this, Schoen connected with the Giants running back to set the record straight.
“That was taken a little bit out of context at the combine,” Schoen said Monday at the NFL owners’ meetings. “I didn’t call a single team on Saquon Barkley. Everyone ran out of the combine with it, I said I would listen if people called any players. I would be irresponsible if I didn’t do it. That doesn’t mean I’ll make every deal.”
When asked if he’s received calls about Barkley, Schoen said, “I’ve had calls about some of our players and he’s one that a few teams have reached out to.”
Saquon Barkley Getty Images
The Giants would save $7.2 million in salary and salary cap if they parted ways with Barkley, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
There’s another Giants rookie interested in whether Barkley stays or goes: Brian Daboll.
“We have an attacking head coach,” said Schoen with a smile. “He likes to have as many guns and toys as possible.”
The Giants have until May 2 to decide whether to earn fifth-year options on QB Daniel Jones and DL Dexter Lawrence. Schoen said he’s looking forward to the start of the offseason program in two weeks, which will give him a chance to get to know the players better before making any decisions about their contracts. The Giants are not expected to exercise the option for Jones, which would guarantee him $22.3 million for the 2023 season.
Joe Schoen USA TODAY sports
WR Sterling Sheppard (Achilles) and LB Blake Martinez (ACL) rehab at the Giants facility. Both veterans accepted big pay cuts to stay with the roster. Martinez was injured three months before Shepard, putting him closer to a full recovery. Schoen said he hopes both players will be available sometime in August.
“Two guys that I really enjoy being with, leaders who work their butts off,” Schoen said.
The news isn’t so promising for C. Nick Gates, who is trying to come back from multiple leg surgeries.
“Wait a minute, we’re still not sure,” Schoen said.
The Giants fired S. Logan Ryan two weeks ago, who has since signed with the Buccaneers. Ryan’s departure was a football move as the Giants saved just $775,000 in salary caps.
“It was the best decision the New York Giants made,” was all Schoen had to say, other than wishing Ryan “all the best.”
The newest member of the offensive line is Max Garcia, who has signed a one-year contract. Garcia, 30, has 52 NFL starts on his résumé, including 11 last season for the Cardinals. He was a full-time starter for the Broncos in 2016 and 2017.
In his NFL career, Garcia has 39 regular season starts at left, nine at right and four at center. His only postseason start was on the right side.
Former Giants guard Will Hernandez, a second-round pick in 2018, signed with the Cardinals.