Saquon Barkley is not safe. The New York Giants are willing to listen to phone calls on the talented running back, according to the new general manager.
With a new regime in place, a difficult salary-cap situation and an injury-filled three seasons for Barkley, Schoen said he is open to hearing what offers are out there. The Giants are estimated to be more than $11 million over the cap according to the roster management system. They will have to cut or trade some quality players.
The fifth-year option on the rookies contract is $7.217 million, and it's possible that the team will move him.
We are still working through that, but I am open to everything. We are open for business on the entire roster if it is trading a couple players. If anyone calls and inquires about any of our players, that's great. I will definitely listen.
We are in a situation where we have to get under the salary cap. We are not in good salary-cap health. I will not say yes to every deal, but I will be open to the best situation for the New York Giants.
When asked about quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Kadarius Toney, who struggled to stay on the field because of injuries, Schoen had a different tone.
Even if the Giants haven't made a decision on Jones' fifth-year option, their imminent futures appear more certain. This spring, that is due.
Daniel Jones is our starting quarterback, but we are going to bring in competition everywhere.
When they said the offense would be built around Jones skill set, it was reiterated by this.
The 20th overall selection was Toney. He had 39 catches for 410 yards in 10 games as a rookies. He will be a part of the new offense as well.
If someone calls, we're going to listen. He is a good player who our coaches like. We have been in constant contact with him and we are excited to see what he can do.
There are going to be some notable moves. In the next few weeks, Schoen wants to clear some 40 million in cap space.
Cornerback James Bradberry, tight end Kyle Rudolph, and punter Riley Dixon are among the players who could be moved. Another contract that could be adjusted or addressed is that of wide receiver Sterling Shepard, who is coming off an injury.
When asked when the cap-cutting would start, Schoen said it would start before free agency opens.
There are lots of contingency plans by the Giants. There are many ways they can reach the goal.
The biggest victim of the cap casualties could be Barkley. He had 2,028 yards as a freshman. He had 2,391 in the three seasons after that. He had an ankle injury in 2019, a tornACL in the following year and a problem with his left ankle this past season. His production and value have been affected by it.
The Giants still think that he is a great player. He will be a big part of the offense if he stays with the team.
If you have good players, you try to get the ball in their hands as much as possible. Saquon is a good player for us. We will try to put him in a good position.