By Michael Stewart@TheTruthNYG
Once the 2024 season ends, owners John Mara and Bob Tisch will make a very important decision that could move the Giants in the right direction or set them back for a couple of years. That decision will be on whether they will retain both Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll or will they keep one and fire the other? The consensus thus far is that Joe Schoen would be the one being retained and if we use this scenario, expect Schoen to utilize as much cap space as possible to instantly turn the Giants misfortune around and at the same time extend his tenure. Over the Cap, which has estimated the 2025 cap to be $272.5 million, has the Giants with $57.26 million in space. Also, expect additional savings through cuts/releases. Below are the top 5 positions that Schoen should focus on investing most of the cap space in:
- Quarterback: The Giants shouldn’t break the bank for a free agent quarterback, as this would be a bridge quarterback to keep the seat warm for whoever they decide to draft (Sanders or Ward).
- Defensive Line: The Giants have been one of the worse run defense team for the past several seasons, despite having All Pro Dexter Lawrence anchoring the defensive line. This needs to change in 2025 if the Giants plan on changing their misfortune. Adding a seasoned veteran to the defensive line shouldn’t dismiss them from drafting one in the upcoming draft.
- Offensive Line: Greg Van Roten and Aaron Stinne will be free agents this off season, Evan Neal continues to be an unknown. Also, for the second straight season Andrew Thomas has missed a large majority of games and there are some backups that might not be with the team next season. So, it would make sense to invest in an offensive Guard/Tackle through free agency and in the draft.
- Cornerback: The Giants second year corner Deonte Banks has taken a few steps back in his development, enough to question whether he could be a CB1 in the NFL. Joe Schoen could double dip here with free agency and in the draft to help ensure he gets a much-needed CB1 type player, while adding more depth to the roster.
- Wide Receiver: Rookie Malik Nabers has had a record-breaking season for the Giants surpassing Odell Beckham’s rookie record for receptions of 91 by a wide receiver. However, it’s apparent he needs help as Wan’Dale Robinson hasn’t shown consistency to be a playmaker after the catch and Darius Slayton will be a free agent and is not expected back. Joe Schoen could think big here and make a major splash for the Giants by adding an explosive wide receiver on the other side of Nabers.
If the Giants ownership gives Joe Schoen another chance, it will probably buy him at least two more seasons (2025 & 2026) due to the drafting of a rookie quarterback. Also, I expect the Giants to draft the five positions mentioned above along with an edge rusher and safety. This off season will resemble the Giants 2015 off season when Jerry Reese threw all his chips in for the 2016 season to help save his job.