Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants episode three recap.
We gained valuable insights into the Giants’ offseason in episode three of Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants. The episode delved into key events like free agency, Saquon Barkley’s departure, and the impactful trade for Brian Burns. The show provided an in-depth look at the team’s strategic decisions and how they are shaping the roster for the upcoming season all streaming on HBO.
We’re not gonna go there. We’re out
The big debate has been whether Saquon Barkley actually received a final offer from the New York Giants, or if he was lying, as Hard Knocks suggested Joe Schoen did make an offer. The episode began with Joe Schoen on the phone, discovering that a three-year deal worth $12.5 million per year with $25 million guaranteed might seal the deal.The Giants allowed Barkley to test free agency to find out his market value, hoping he would return with an offer they could match or decline. This did happen, and GM Joe Schoen asked Berry directly, “What would we need to do to get Saquon?”
Schoen later asked Berry, “If I offered him a three-year deal at $12.5 million per year with $25 million guaranteed, would he stay with the Giants?” Berry hesitated, saying they had a lot of work to do if that happened. Schoen then told team owner John Mara that Berry wasn’t sure Barkley would accept the offer.
Mara, worried about Barkley possibly joining the Eagles, said, “I’ll have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia. He’s our most popular player.” When the Giants learned from Berry that Barkley had an offer, it was clear Barkley would not be returning to the Giants.
Free agency poker.
Hard Knocks creatively used poker visuals to illustrate the high-stakes nature of free agency, making the negotiation process even more captivating for viewers. Watching the negotiation process was fascinating. Agents shared offers from other teams to increase the price tags for players. While this is a common tactic, seeing it in action as the Giants worked to pay the players they wanted was insightful.
For the offensive line, the Giants made it a priority during free agency. After a final conversation between coach Brian Daboll and Schoen, they offered contracts to three players, including the two they signed: Jon Runyan Jr. and Jermaine Eluemunor.
Moving on with Brian Burns
After losing Saquon and McKinney, the Giants went after Brian Burns.
It’s clear Joe Schoen was excited about trading for Brian Burns, as he mentioned it several times in each episode. Once the Giants lost their free agents, Schoen met with Brandon Brown, Shane Bowen, and Brian Daboll to get their input on Burns. Defensive coordinator Shane Bowen fully supported trading for the EDGE, even though it would be the team’s only defensive move.
We saw Joe Schoen discuss the potential trade package, but the front office had to wait for approval from David Tepper in Carolina. Dan Morgan called back asking for an additional seventh-round pick, which clearly frustrated Schoen. Landing Brian Burns for less than a first-round pick is incredible, considering Morgan initially asked for two first-rounders and the Panthers had declined four first-round picks from the Rams.
