Giants should prioritize Daniel Jones ahead of Saquon Barkley in free agency
The New York Giants were one of the NFL's biggest surprises this year, after finishing 4-13 last season.
While new head coach Brian Daboll had the biggest impact, the Giants wouldn't have achieved much without quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley, both impending free agents.
There’s a solid chance the Giants will re-sign the "Dime and Dash" tandem, but Jones should get priority over Barkley. He’s a more integral part of the Giants' future, which appears to be the belief within the organization.
In his exit interview, GM Joe Schoen seemed optimistic about a possible Jones reunion. He might have been hinting that a deal could be close to completion. "We're happy Daniel is going to be here; hopefully, we can get something done with his representatives," said Schoen.
Jones, the sixth overall pick in 2018, solidified himself as New York's long-term starter this season, despite throwing to a less than ideal receiving corps. His 3,205 passing yards were a career high, but his leading receiver, Darius Slayton, was 39th in receiving yards among NFL WRs this season, according to Pro Football Focus.
This year, he threw the fewest interceptions among QBs with 400 drop-backs, shedding his reputation as a turnover machine.
Who could have guessed that Jones' fifth-year option getting declined last offseason would be the best thing to happen to him?
As for Barkley, the 25-year-old has been vocal about being a "Giant for life." He says he's not looking to reset the running back market but wants a fair wage. However, his actions may suggest otherwise.
Fox Sports' Ralph Vacchiano reports the Giants and Barkley discussed an extension during their Week 9 bye but tabled talks after Barkley rejected an offer worth $12 million annually.
Vacchiano says Barkley is eyeing a deal that would pay him similarly to Christian McCaffrey's $16 million average annual price tag.
New York would like to keep the Pro Bowl RB around, but Schoen alluded to a Barkley signing being less of a guarantee than a Jones, telling reporters, "We would like to have Saquon back if it works out."
Barkley definitely deserves his money; his 1,650 total yards were the seventh-most in the league this season.
There's a good chance Barkley and the Giants can strike a deal, but if they cannot, the Giants would likely be in a better position than Barkley.
Josh Jacobs, Miles Sanders and Kareem Hunt are a few names that headline a robust free-agent RB class, but if Barkley walks, the Giants should probably draft his replacement. The majority of free-agent RB contracts are regrettable in retrospect.
Should Jones and Barkley become free agents, the market will be hot. However, most teams would prefer to spend top dollar on an emerging QB than a running back with a history of injuries.
Given the current QB landscape around the league, more than a handful of teams would inquire about Jones' services if he becomes available.
A Jones extension must be the first item on Schoen's offseason checklist. If Barkley is willing to come off his asking price, the Giants should sign him to a short-term deal or use the projected $10.1 million franchise tag.
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