The New York Giants held their year-end press conference on Monday and much of the focus was on the future of quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley.
General manager Joe Schoen sounded quite emphatic when it came to Jones, stating flat-out the organization would like to have him back.
“We’d like Daniel to be here. He said it yesterday, there’s a business side to it, but we feel like Daniel played well this season and did everything we asked him to do,” Schoen said. “We haven’t had those (discussions) yet but we would like to have Daniel Jones back.”
“He’s done everything that we’ve asked him to do,” head coach Brian Daboll said. “He’s been a good leader for us. Played the quarterback position well for us. Happy we had him.”
Later in the press conference, Schoen was questioned about Jones a second time and he appeared to slip up a bit. Whether or not it was accidental or he tipped his hand, it’s clear the Giants intend on re-signing Jones.
“We’re happy Daniel is going to be here,” Schoen said.
Realizing what he said, Schoen scrambled to elaborate.
“Hopefully we can get something done with his representatives,” Schoen said. “The goal would be to build a team around him where he can win a Super Bowl.”
Schoen also said the Giants would like Barkley to return but didn’t sound quite as optimistic due to the financials.
“This was a special team, we’d like to have all the guys back. But there’s a business side to it,” Schoen said. “Saquon is a good player and a great teammate…he’s a guy we would like to have back.”
Perhaps somewhat ironically, the Giants discussed a contract extension with Barkley during the bye week but not Jones. Now Jones seems like the priority and there is some question about Barkley.
Still, Schoen wasn’t being dishonest when he said he’d like to have both back next season. But, you know…business.
