The Giants selected an offensive tackle and an edge rusher with their first-round picks Thursday night, but there are two things they didn’t do that may also have an effect: they didn’t trade cornerback James Bradberry to save salary cap space, and didn’t pick up Daniel Jones’ fifth-year option.
Big Blue has the fourth pick of the second round (No. 36 overall) plus two thirds, a four, two fives, and a six, so when it comes to beefing up their secondary, they still have plenty of capital, as well as the ability to maybe even move Bradberry for future first-round picks.
“What we did doesn’t affect James at all,” GM Joe Schoen said bluntly in his post-Round 1 press conference.
As for the latter move, not picking up Jones’ option, well, that’s where it might get tricky. Only one quarterback, Pitt’s Kenny Pickett, went in the first round, so the Giants could be in position at No. 36 to grab Liberty’s Malik Willis – a dual-threat who may fit a Josh Allen-type role in Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka’s offense – or Ole Miss’ Matt Corral, who was recruited by Daboll when Daboll was at Alabama.
None of that potential, though, played into the decision, which wasn’t due until Monday.
“We just thought it was the best decision for the Giants at the time,” Schoen said. “We’re always open to all positions, but it doesn’t affect our draft plan, or what we think about Daniel Jones.”
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With Jones having his final guaranteed year and Tyrod Taylor under two-year deal, the Giants have their 1-2 punch for now, and a solid option for 2023 as a gap year – or even the chance to franchise Danny Dimes if he has a monster 2022 under Daboll.
The Giants are clearly hoping for the latter, even if it may cost them a little more salary down the road.
“We really like Daniel Jones and the work he’s been putting in,” Schoen said. “We’re excited with where he is, and excited to work with him.”
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