Joe Schoen spoke with reporters ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine and hit on a number of topics, including Saquon Barkley, Daniel Jones, and the upcoming draft.
With Barkley, the Giants GM says the team has not ruled out placing the franchise tag on the running back for a second straight offseason, but the preference is to agree to a deal.
“That’s not off the table,” Schoen said. “In a perfect world, we don’t want to do that again, but we’re gonna have conversations, talk through it…I know he says he wants a fair deal, and I appreciate that. Ultimately, we have to do what’s best for the franchise short term and long term. We’ll take all of those things into account. Look forward to meeting with his representatives.
“He’s a captain, he’s a leader, he’s a hard worker. I think of the world of Saquon, and I still think he can play. My value for Saquon really hasn't changed…I think we’ve all grown through the last 12, 13, 14 months, and Saquon may be in a different place now than he was then in terms of understanding the market and the business side of it. I’m looking forward to having those conversations with him.”
As for Jones, Schoen said the quarterback his progressing well after his season-ending ACL tear, and could even participate in 7-on-7 drills this spring.
“He’s been throwing for about two weeks, stationary,” Schoen said. “He’s on track, he’s doing everything he can to get back. We’re optimistic about where he is…if he continues on that pace, he should be ready for the start of training camp.
“I have faith in Daniel as our starting quarterback.”
Schoen has said the Giants will be adding a quarterback this offseason, and much attention will be paid to whether Big Blue uses its No. 6 overall pick to find Jones’ eventual replacement. But Schoen said a quality quarterback can be found outside of the first round as well.
“It's a good quarterback draft. It’s not just at the top,” Schoen said. “There’s some guys that are mid-levels that I think will be good No. 2s…I think it’s a solid draft all over.”
