The New York Giants made a deliberate choice to allow running back Saquon Barkley to explore free agency in 2024. Ultimately, he found a better offer and accepted it — even though it was from the division rival Philadelphia Eagles.
Giants head coach Brian Daboll discussed Barkley's departure in an interview with NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero.
“Every year in the NFL, people come and go, including coaches, players, and staff members. It's not like it used to be 30 or 40 years ago,” Daboll told Pelissero.
“I have a lot of respect for Saquon and all the players who have moved on to other teams,” the NYG HC added. “It's a special group when you go through an NFL season, dealing with ups and downs.”
Daboll finished by wishing Barkley “all the best except when he is playing the Giants.”
Giants head coach Brian Daboll highly praises the Brian Burns trade
Daboll also shared his thoughts on the Brian Burns acquisition, expressing high satisfaction with the move.
“Credit goes to [general manager] Joe [Schoen] and his team for getting that done,” Daboll spoke openly. “[Burns is] a good player, a valuable addition, and a beneficial trade for us. We are pleased to have him.”
Furthermore: “He has been an effective player in Carolina. After conducting thorough research on the player, and more importantly the person, we believe he is the right fit for us and we are thrilled to have him.”
The Giants traded one of their 2024 second-round picks, a 2025 fifth rounder, and a 2024 pick swap in round five to the Panthers for Burns. In addition, Schoen immediately secured the dynamic pass rusher long-term, agreeing to a 5-year extension worth up to $150 million (with $87.5M guaranteed).
It was a bold and crucial move that is likely to have a significant impact on the tenures of Schoen and Daboll with the franchise. If this deal goes south and the Giants are unable to improve the roster in other areas, the decision-makers may not see out Burns’ contract.
If successful, the defensive playmaker could help steer this historic franchise in a new direction, potentially leading to extensions for Schoen and Daboll down the road.
“The two-time Pro Bowler is expected to immediately elevate the Giants' pass rush, which tied for 28th in the league in sacks in 2023, [aiding] a struggling defense that finished 27th overall in yards allowed,” NFL.com content producer Coral Smith pointed out while sharing quotes from the interview.
Burns has achieved 46.0 sacks, 59 tackles for a loss, 95 QB hits, and eight forced fumbles during his first five seasons in the league according to Pro Football Reference.
Giants’ Offseason Described as ‘Indecisive’
During an article with Bleacher Report on March 22, NFL writer Brad Gagnon labeled each organization's offseason with one word. He chose “indecisive” for the Giants.
“Are they trying to contend or are they accepting that a rebuild is around the corner?” Gagnon questioned.
Adding: “With Brian Burns and Jon Runyan in but Saquon Barkley and Xavier McKinney out, it’s very difficult to tell.”
The truth is, Schoen and Daboll finally changed the roster as they wanted, putting more importance on the offensive and defensive lines financially rather than on positions like running back and safety. This is why there was a rearrangement of players that seemed somewhat uncertain — when in fact, Schoen and Daboll were very intentional in their actions.
The main focus for the Giants in the 2024 free agency has been on the offensive line, defensive line, and quarterback.
