Giants Country

New York Giants Mailbag, Part 2

We have some additional inquiries from readers.
Patricia Traina|
New York Giants Mailbag, Part 2
New York Giants Mailbag, Part 2

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New York Giants

This is Part 2 of our weekend mailbag. If you'd like to submit a question for the mailbag, please send it to nygiantsmaven@gmail.com. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity and conciseness. While we try to answer all questions received, we reserve to consolidate if several people ask the same question.

I don't have a name for you right now, but the more I think about it, the more I'd go with a cornerback at No. 25. This is such a deep class, and I think the Giants can shore up a key spot for years to come if they double-dip into that position group.

I could see that being the case, especially if the team takes a step backward. I would hope that wouldn't be what happens, but I'm realistic. There are still people who think Jones is trash and the team would be better off without him. And if they bring him back at on the tag, and the team regresses, I could see Jones being blamed for that.

Remains to be seen, Tony. I think they're headed in the right direction, but you must remember that this team only beat two teams with top-10 strong defenses last year. Let's see what Schoen can do to upgrade the deficient talent areas, but I think they have the core foundation in place to where this team's bad days are behind them.

(From Walt) Wide receiver and linebacker are two great needs. Which would take priority in the draft and which in free agency.

It depends on who's available at the time, Walt. Right now, it's thought that the Giants will dip into free agency for linebackers and defensive linemen, then circle back to receiver if one is available at a reasonable cost. But I don't think you necessarily rule out the draft on any of those decisions. So I don't think it's an "either/or" scenario.

(From Javier F.) My question is about the giants signing players who have been released instead of free agents whose contracts have expired. I heard that signing released players doesn't factor into the comp pick formula. I think the Ravens have used that method to great effect.

Is that something you'd recommend for Joe Schoen to do? It depends on who gets released and their price tags, but I think it would be a good way to get around the comp pick situation.

What's up, Javier? I think you answered your own question with your last sentence: It depends on who gets released. Also, the wild card is what kind of cap space they will have. That's what makes answering these questions about what the Giants should or will do so difficult. If they have to franchise tag Jones, that will leave them with $11 million before any other moves are made. But yeah, if they can work it out to where they can bring in guys who have been released, then I'm all for it.

(From Rich G.) I do not understand why Daniel Jones would not sign a contract and avoid the Franchise Tag. His yearly salary on the contract would be higher than the Franchise Tag amount. He would get more guaranteed money over the contract period. He takes the risk if he is franchised, injured, or has a down year. Also, if he plays under the franchise tag, the Giants will have less cap space to sign players to help him, and it probably means Saquan Barkley will not return.

It's very simple, Rich. Daniel Jones reportedly has an average annual salary in mind that the Giants don't want to meet right now, which is more than the franchise tag. He's trusting his agents to close the gap as best as possible with the Giants, so why rush to sign anything? Also, regarding the average annual salary, often, what's reported is the max value, not the full value.

It sounds like Jones wants something closer to the full value rather than the max value. That all being said, he's not willing to settle, nor should he at this juncture. And it's not his problem if the Giants get hamstrung by the cap, which I'm sure factors into the thinking.

But with time running out, you're right; he'll get the franchise tag, and if he continues to play well, he'll get tagged again in 2024 and will end up making a nice little chunk of guaranteed money over two years.

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Patricia Traina
PATRICIA TRAINA

Patricia Traina has covered the New York Giants for 30+ seasons, and her work has appeared in multiple media outlets, including The Athletic, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and the Sports Illustrated media group. As a credentialed New York Giants press corps member, Patricia has also covered five Super Bowls (three featuring the Giants), the annual NFL draft, and the NFL Scouting Combine. She is the author of The Big 50: The Men and Moments that Made the New York Giants. In addition to her work with New York Giants On SI, Patricia hosts the Locked On Giants podcast. Patricia is also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Football Writers Association of America.

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