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New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Best, worst offseason moves for New York Giants

By Bruce Ewing | Last updated 4/3/23

The 2023 NFL Draft will be held in Kansas City from April 27-29, but the Giants couldn’t wait to adjust the roster. Here’s the best and worst of what they’ve done so far.

BEST | Daniel Jones’ contract

After months of speculation, New York signed Jones to a four-year, $160 million contract with $81 million guaranteed for the first two years. But if things don’t work out, the Giants can walk away with just $18 million in dead money in 2025. That’s a good deal. Jones will make more in the first two years than he would under a franchise tag while the Giants keep their options open beyond that.

Last year Jones had the sixth-highest QBR in the league with career highs in rushing yards, passing yards and completion percentage. He dominated Minnesota in his first playoff appearance, but played poorly against Philadelphia in the next round. Jones will have bad days and may never win an MVP, but for the next few years he remains the team's best option.

BEST | Tagging Saquon Barkley

Barkley set career-highs in 2022 with 295 carries and 1,312 yards. After failing to agree on a long-term deal, the Giants used the non-exclusive franchise on Barkley, meaning he’ll make $10.1 million dollars next season.

#Giants hope to get a long-term extension for Saquon Barkley, The team wants to see him as a NY Giants player for life. pic.twitter.com/oaNEATBJIQ
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) March 28, 2023

According to reports, Barkley wants to be paid like Christian McCaffrey. The franchise tag gets him close, but only for one year. If Barkley repeats his 2022 performance, New York can feel comfortable negotiating a long term deal. If not, they can tag him again and move on with no dead money left on the cap.

WORST | Not signing a big-threat receiver

After posting the seventh-worst passing numbers in the league, the Giants brought back most of their own receivers rather than pursue the top free agents. The team re-signed Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton while signing free agents Jamison Crowder and Parris Campbell to one-year deals.

Slayton led the team with 724 yards last year but managed only two touchdowns in 16 games. Shepard hasn’t played a full season since 2018 and played only three games last season. Crowder had 60 yards in four games with the Bills last season and Campbell scored just three times in 17 games with the Colts. You have to wonder why New York would give Jones a new contract without adding better weapons.

WORST | Losing Julian Love

According to Pro Football Focus, Love played 271 snaps in the box, 154 in the slot and 494 at free safety. He led the team with 124 tackles last year and was one of the more popular players on the team.

Love started 2022 by being voted team captain. By the end of the year he was calling defensive plays. Losing such a versatile player over a $6 million salary could come back to haunt the Giants, especially when the Seahawks visit MetLife Stadium next year.

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