Three Takeaways from Joe Schoen's Senior Bowl Press Briefing
New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen briefly spoke with reporters on-site at the Senior Bowl. Here are the main takeaways.
Defensive Coordinator Decision Coming Soon
The Giants hope to decide on a new defensive coordinator by the end of the week. The team has been linked to seven known candidates: Ravens defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson, who was one of the first known candidates the team spoke with, Titans defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, Chargers defensive backs coach/interim defensive play caller Derrick Ansley, Dolphins linebackers coach Anthony Campanile, defensive backs coach, Jerome Henderson, Bills linebackers coach Bobby Babich, and Chiefs linebackers coach Brendan Daly.
Wilson has been the only one of the candidates thus far reported to have received a second interview. But the Giants have some competition for Wilson, with the Packers being the latest team (joining the Titans and Rams) to have interest in the former NFL defensive back.
Meanwhile, two candidates have since been removed from consideration as the Bills announced that Babich will be their new defensive coordinator. And in keeping with Schoen's stated timeline, one can probably assume that Daly is no longer under consideration since he can't be hired until after the Super Bowl.
Giants Have Begun Talks with Saquon Barkley
Running back Saquon Barkley figured to be one of the Giants' biggest free agent decisions this off-season. The two sides have repeatedly expressed a desire to ensure Barkley remains in blue for the rest of his career, but the Giants have been unwilling, at least as of last year, to break open the bank for their star running back.
Schoen told reporters that he had a conversation with Barkley on the Friday after the season and that he also planned to speak with Barkley's representatives, listed by NFLPA record to be Kim Miale of Roc Nation Sports and Ed Berry of CAA, during the combine to see if a deal can't be worked out that's a win-win for both parties.
Barkley played last season on a modified franchise tag that ended up closer to the original one after the built-in incentives didn't crystalize. Schoen has said that he doesn't want to get into the habit of using the franchise tag every year, but in this case, the Giants do have that option with Barkley if they want to buy more time to get a deal done.
Giants Expect to Stick with Daniel Jones as Starting QB
No real surprise here, but Schoen said that the expectation remains that Daniel Jones will be the starting quarterback in camp this summer. That is contingent on whether Jones gets the green light from the medical staff as he continues his rehab from a torn ACL.
While some might not like that news, Schoen is rightfully keeping his cards close to the vest regarding any intentions of drafting a quarterback in the first round.
The belief has long been that because of Jones's contract--he's owed $36 million in guaranteed money this coming year--if he's healthy, he will get the first crack at the position.
At best, Jones, if he is indeed ready to start the season, would carry the team for as long as he plays well and stays healthy, regardless of what they do at the position in free agency and the draft. At worst, Jones would serve as a placeholder if the Giants draft a quarterback for the future.
Schoen also said that the Giants plan to look at every position for their first-round pick since the team has needs everywhere.
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