The New York Giants suffered one of the high-profile departures in free agency two weeks ago when running back Saquon Barkley signed a $37.75 million contract with NFC East rival Philadelphia. Ta. Since then, general manager Jim Schon has been busy making adjustments to the Giants' roster, and when asked about Barkley's departure during Monday's NFL owners meeting, he gave a pragmatic answer. “I wish Saquon all the best,” Schoen told reporters. “You can't keep them all. He's done a lot for the franchise. Walter Payton Man of the Year, produced a lot. I'll work with him for two years. I enjoyed it and everything he did for (coach Brian Daboll) and me.'' I hope we make the playoffs (in 2022). I wish him all the best. Barkley, 27, rushed for 962 yards and six touchdowns in 14 starts last season and was on the brink of his fourth 1,000-yard season. His replacement, at least for the time being, will be former Texans and Bills running back Devin Singletary. Devin Singletary tops a backfield that includes Gary Brightwell and Eric Gray. Schoen also added guard Aaron Stinney from Tampa Bay and Jon Runyan from Green Bay, tackle Jermaine Elemunor from Las Vegas and backup from Minnesota to strengthen a group that allowed a league-high 85 sacks last season. Signed center Austin Schlotman. The main focus in free agency for Schoen was the offensive line, and Schoen also made a lot of noise with the trade and signing of pass rusher Brian Barnes. The Giants hold the No. 6 overall pick in next month's NFL Draft and own three of the top 70 overall picks. When asked how he was approaching the draft, Shane predictably played his cards close to the vest. “We will consider all options, including raising, lowering, and keeping the rate unchanged,” he said. “I think we're going to end up with a good player.'' It remains to be seen whether he's one of the several highly touted quarterbacks in this class. Schoen said Daniel Jones is “on the right track” to return from injury and Drew Lock has been signed to compete for a backup job along with Tommy DeVito. This year is seen as a big one for Shane and Daboll. The Giants made a splash two years ago when they made it to the playoffs, but they plummeted to 6 wins and 11 losses last season. “As much as I want instant gratification, it takes time, but no one wants it more than me,” Shane said. “I think you have to believe in the principles and the way you build a team. We're doing our third draft. It takes time.” Looking back at the 2021 roster and where we are right now. i think so. Think we are heading in the right direction. And we continue to move in the right direction in terms of bringing in our type of player, what we're looking for schematically, what the Dubs are thinking about his offense. Sho. We will continue to make progress. ” –Field level media
