The Giants were wise to pass up $26 million in running back guarantees.

The Giants were wise to pass up $26 million in running back guarantees.
The New York Giants avoided overspending at spots that may be addressed with mid-round draft picks by emphasizing positional value in their summer approach. General Manager Joe Schoen made the choice to let star running back Saquon Barkley test free agency instead of giving him an expensive long-term contract deal because of this strategy.

Barkley’s Transfer to the Eagles and Giants’ Economic Caution
In the end, Saquon Barkley agreed to a three-year, $37.75 million contract that included a $26 million signing bonus with the Philadelphia Eagles. Schoen had asked Barkley to give the Giants an opportunity to match any free-agent offers during an episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks.” But Barkley left because the Giants valued him lower than the Eagles did. Schoen pointed out that Barkley might have stayed if the Giants had been open to considering the Eagles’ offer.

Singletary Steps In with a More Cost-Effective Deal

In place of Barkley, the Giants signed Devin Singletary to a three-year, $16.5 million deal with only $9.5 million guaranteed—a move that saved the Giants $17 million in guarantees compared to Barkley’s deal. Singletary, though not as explosive as Barkley, has demonstrated significant production. Last season, he tallied 986 yards, five touchdowns, and just one fumble over 238 attempts, showing he could be a valuable asset at a reduced price.

Comparative Performance: Singletary vs. Barkley

Singletary’s performance last season was comparable to Barkley’s, who produced 962 yards and six touchdowns with two fumbles over 247 attempts. It’s noteworthy that Singletary’s offensive line was slightly better than the Giants’, which may have influenced the similar output. This context suggests that Singletary could provide comparable results under different circumstances.

Strategic Allocation: Exceeding the Running Back Role
Rather than making a significant investment in Barkley, the Giants used their money to bolster other vital positions like the offensive line and pass rush, adding pass rusher Brian Burns, and improving pass protection. This tactic demonstrates how the NFL has shifted its emphasis from running plays to throwing plays.

Forward-Looking: Big Blue’s Extended Strategy
The fact that Schoen chose not to give a 27-year-old running back a sizable long-term financial commitment is indicative of a larger plan to assemble a competitive club in the future. The Giants set themselves up to compete at a higher level in the upcoming years by maybe developing a great quarterback and strong trench support, possibly to the point where it makes strategic sense to invest heavily in a player such as Barkley.