Hard Knocks is and always has been one of the most fascinating docuseries in all of sports – perhaps THE most.
The New York Giants are one of the old-school franchises who never had any interest in being involved in the series.
However, with a new(er) regime desperate to get the historic organization back on track, the Giants agreed to be featured in the first-ever “Offseason” version of the show.
It’s safe to assume that head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen weren’t too thrilled to commit to the show. (Can you imagine Tom Coughlin ever allowing it to happen?)
But again, owner John Mara is desperate to restore pride and prestige to the organization and the Giants have launched a full-blown blitz to commemorate their 100th season … Participating in the show is just another part of that.
The biggest offseason storyline for the Giants surrounded the future of their ultra-popular running back Saquon Barkley whose contract expired at the end of last season.
After years of being a loyal soldier, friction had begun to grow between Barkley and the front office.
He made it clear that his preference was to be a “Giant for life,” however as time went on it became more and more obvious that a divorce was inevitable.
If we’re being honest, Barkley’s career with Big Blue has been a major disappointment. There’s no way around that.
Don’t get me wrong, Barkley wasn’t given a fair chance. He was stuck running behind horrible offensive lines on offenses that lacked firepower. Defenses were routinely able to stack the box against him.
It’s not his fault that general manager (at the time) Dave Gettleman over-drafted him second overall and instantly labeled him a “gold jacket guy.”
But the NFL is a results-oriented business, and the fact of the matter is Barkley was hurt ALL THE TIME.
He’s a great player and an even better person – but considering the type of contract he was looking for, Schoen knew it would be foolish to keep him.
Mara has been accused of over-valuing his own players through the years – which is why he dreaded the idea of losing Barkley, especially to a division rival such as the hated Philadelphia Eagles.
“I might have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia, I’ll tell you that, as I’ve told you. Just being honest,” Mara told Schoen. “He’s the most popular player we have by far.”
Despite Mara’s wishes to retain Barkley, Schoen made it clear that the team needed to prioritize other positions, especially considering the cost of keeping the star running back.
“I think the priority right now is the offensive line,” Schoen said.
The decision to let Barkley go was underscored by a conversation between Schoen and Barkley’s agent, Ed Berry of CAA, who indicated that Barkley’s demands were high: three years, $12.5 million per season, and at least $25 million guaranteed.
Even with these terms, Schoen knew the Giants were unlikely to meet them, especially with the Eagles showing strong interest.
As free agency kicked off, Schoen made a final call to Berry on March 11, signaling the end of negotiations with Barkley.
“Again, we’re not going to go there. We’re out,” Schoen told Berry. “Is [the team he’s signing with] in the division? I’m trying to prepare myself mentally what is going to happen. That is all at this point.”
Barkley ultimately signed a three-year, $37.75 million deal with $26 million guaranteed from the Eagles.
Meanwhile, the Giants turned to other options, including the decision to sign Devin Singletary who both Schoen and Daboll knew well from their time together with the Buffalo Bills.
In the final moments of the episode, director of pro scouting Chris Rossetti and Schoen break the news to Mara.
“All right,” Mara sighed, taking in the details of Barkley’s new deal and destination.
Schoen, attempting to reassure his boss, responded, “We’re going to be fine.”
Barkley in green will be a strange sight for Giants fans – one that they, nor Mara, will ever get used to.
He will make his much-anticipated return to MetLife Stadium on October 20.
What are your thoughts on how everything went down between the Giants and Barkley?
Do you agree that Schoen made the right decision to not cave finanically?
How many more years do you think Barkley has left at a truly high level???