Recap Of Hard Knocks: Offseason Episode 3 - Get The Inside Scoop!

In this episode of "2 Giant Goofballs," hosts Drew and Rob recap the third episode of "Hard Knocks: Offseason," focusing on key discussions and negotiations involving the New York Giants.


Saquon Barkley Negotiations
General Manager Joe Schoen discusses Barkley's contract situation with his agent Ed Berry. Berry initially avoids providing a clear number, prompting Schoen to remind him that Barkley was allowed to test the market. Eventually, Berry offers a 3-year deal worth $12.5 million per year with $25 million guaranteed. Schoen queries if this deal would keep Barkley with the Giants.


Schoen updates team owner John Mara about the negotiations, mentioning a text that indicated Chicago was driving up the price while Philadelphia was out. Mara expresses concern, stating, "I’m gonna have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia. He’s the most popular player we have by far." Despite higher offers from other teams, Barkley ultimately signs with the Eagles for 3 years at $37.5 million with $26 million guaranteed. Schoen's unofficial offer had been 3 years at $36 million with $25 million guaranteed, leaving questions about whether it was an official offer and if Barkley truly wanted to stay with the Giants.


Xavier McKinney's Departure
The episode also covers Xavier McKinney’s move to the Packers, who offered him a 4-year deal worth $67 million, making him the second-highest-paid safety in the league. Schoen discusses the deal on the phone and confirms that the Giants declined to match the Packers' offer, indicating they might have planned to address this position in the draft.


Giants' Needs & Targets
The Giants' primary need is on the offensive line, competing with the Jets for several players:
- **OL Targets:** Jermain Eluemunor, Jon Runyan Jr., Robert Hunt
- **QB Targets:** Tyrod Taylor, Drew Lock, Sam Darnold, Gardner Minshew
- **RB Targets: Saquon Barkley, Devin Singletary, D’Andre Swift
- DL Target: Brian Burns

Schoen emphasizes protecting the quarterback and improving the pass rush.

Free Agent Targets & Signings
- Jon Runyan Jr.: Projected at $8-9 million per year, signed with the Giants for 3 years at $30 million with $17 million guaranteed after the Jets' offer of 2 years at $19 million with $8 million guaranteed.
- Jermain Eluemunor: Projected at $3-6 million per year, signed with the Giants for 3 years at $7 million after a hard push from Arizona. Eluemunor preferred a 2-year deal with a higher first-year salary.
- Robert Hunt: Projected at $13-15 million per year, signed a 5-year $100 million deal with the Panthers after the Giants upped their offer for Runyan, making Hunt unaffordable.
- Devin Singletary: Projected at $5 million per year, signed with the Giants for 3 years at $16.5 million after Barkley and McKinney's departures.
- D’Andre Swift: Projected at $6 million per year, signed with the Bears for 3 years at $24 million.
- Tyrod Taylor: Top backup QB target, projected at $7 million per year, signed with the Jets for 2 years at $12 million. Giants were uncomfortable with his injury history and considered other options like Joe Flacco a