Giants news, 1/26: Offensive free agents, Saquon Barkley contract, more headlines

Good morning, New York Giants fans!

Giants’ free agents: Which offensive players should the Giants bring back?

On Tuesday we looked at the unrestricted free agent defensive players the New York Giants should or should not bring back in 2023. Let’s do the same today for the team’s offensive free agents.

Its an extensive list lead by two key pieces for the Giants offense this year—QB Daniel Jones and RB Saquon Barkley. But there are players that contributed this year that GM Joe Schoen will have to weigh of the type of offers should be given to players that at different times play key roles for the Giants this season.

BBV's Ed Valentine gives his verdicts on a list of players that includes WRs Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, Marcus Johnson, and Richie James; RB Matt Breida; and offensive linemen Jon Feliciano and Nick Gates.

More from Big Blue View

• Giants position review: Potential at cornerback, but more pieces are needed
• Mel Kiper mock draft 1.0: USC WR Jordan Addison to the Giants
• 2023 NFL Draft prospect profile - Tashawn Manning, iOL, Kentucky
• Giants Brian Daboll, Saquon Barkley finalists for AP honors

Other Giant observations

Agent’s Take: How Giants, Barkley can find common ground | CBSSports.com

The appropriate range for Barkley on a multiyear contract is probably between $13 million and $14.25 million per year. There are currently eight running backs in the NFL with contracts averaging $12 million per year or more. All of the deals were for the players to remain with their own teams.

These eight deals average $13,047,526 per year with 4.375 years as the average length. The average production for the eight running backs this season was 1,135 rushing yards, eight rushing touchdowns and 1,521 yards from scrimmage in 16 games. Barkley exceeded all of these statistical marks during the 2022 season.

Stephen A. believes that Saquon Barkley should be one of the top paid running backs

The Big Questions, and Bigger Decisions, for Daniel Jones and the New York Giants | The Ringer

What’s the best way to clear enough cap space to make meaningful improvements to the lineup without losing the most-skilled players at the team’s core? How exactly do you weigh the needs of tomorrow against the egos of today? What is the going rate for players who haven’t really gone much of anywhere just yet? What would be the cost of starting again—again? These are lines of inquiry that involve the entire roster, but their answers tend to revolve around the guy who lines up under center. And when it comes to him, the most pressing question seems to be: Do the franchise and its quarterback still have more good old days ahead?

The process of building a Super Bowl contender in the NFL is like trying to make a dollar out of 15 cents. The trick is finding the balance between leveraging what you have and scrounging for what you need. You could immediately seek more change, sure—but sometimes it helps to invest around the dimes that are already in your pocket.

2023 NFL Free Agency Guide: Giants have 21 pending UFAs | Giants.com

With the offseason upon us, there are several key dates to circle on the NFL calendar. Here are a few important dates surrounding free agency:

• March 7: Deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.
• March 13-15: From 12:00 p.m. ET on Monday, March 13 until 3:59:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 15, clubs are permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents upon expiration of their 2022 player contracts at 4:00 p.m. ET on March 15.
• March 15: The 2023 League Year and Free Agency period begin at 4:00 p.m. ET. The trading period for 2023 also begins at 4:00 p.m. ET, after expiration of all 2022 contracts.

Giants’ dream playoff run doesn’t guarantee much for 2023 | New York Post

Should Raiders be more interested in Daniel Jones Tom Brady? | WFAN.com

3 Contracts Giants Must Prioritize in 2023 Offseason | Bleacher Report

New York Giants work out a pair of defensive linemen | USA Today

Spotlighting 1 overlooked/surprise contributor from each NFC team | NFL.com

Looking at the impact Kayvon Thibodeaux had this year

Around the league

Patrick Mahomes on injured ankle: It's feeling good so far | ProFootballTalk

“It’s doing good. A few days of treatment, a few days of rehab,” Mahomes said. “Excited to be on the practice field and kind of test it out and see where I’m at. But, it’s feeling good so far.”

Owner Jim Irsay desires hiring Jeff Saturday | CBSSports.com

Colts owner Jim Irsay has a desire to hire Saturday, CBS Sports NFL insider Josina Anderson reported on Wednesday. According to Anderson, there are some people who work close to Irsay who are not in favor of Saturday becoming the team’s head coach.

Allen, Burrow, Hurts, Jefferson, Mahomes up for NFL MVP | ESPN.com

With Bill O’Brien back, what’s next for Matt Patricia, Joe Judge? | ProFootballTalk

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