It should be noted right away that there are very few, if any, players who must be re-signed from a 6-11 team. There was a reason why the 2023 New York Giants went on three separate three-game losing streaks. The roster lacked talent.
The Giants should prioritize bringing back three players from last season’s team who are set to become unrestricted free agents. These players are at various stages of their careers, and their roles will not be the same for the next season’s team.
However, the Giants can look to last season and the recent past to see why these free agents should be welcomed back to MetLife Stadium. With apologies and all due respect to Adoree’ Jackson and Sterling Shepard, let’s look at why each of these players is worth re-signing with New York.
S. Xavier McKinney
McKinney will almost certainly have the greatest impact on the field in 2024, particularly in terms of position.
McKinney is a homegrown, above-average player at his position. His play has improved with each season, and he has been named team captain for the past two years.
The second-round pick from Alabama was one of the NFL’s best safeties this season. Rate stats such as yards per completion, yards per target, and passer rating against all improved from the previous season, despite McKinney facing the most targets in coverage in his career.
While there may be concerns about McKinney’s fit for next season as the Giants transition from Wink Martindale to a new defensive system, bringing him back should be an organizational priority. It sends a message to other drafted players that talent and production are valued in New York, and taking care of its own players improves a team’s reputation throughout the league.
Durability is undoubtedly a concern for a player who has only played two full seasons in four attempts, but it may help the Giants keep the cost of a new contract low. McKinney isn’t a superstar, but he’s definitely in the top group of NFL safeties. He should be retained.
Quarterback Tyrod Taylor
2023 may well be remembered as the Year of the Backup Quarterback. Both the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers have made the playoffs despite starting multiple quarterbacks during the regular season.
With their QB2s, the Cincinnati Bengals and Indianapolis Colts were able to stay in the playoff race until the very end. On the other hand, the New York Jets demonstrated what happens when a team fails to fill the backup quarterback position on the depth chart entirely.
All of this to say that the Giants should do everything they can to bring back Tyrod Taylor in 2024.
Taylor made five starts this season and was called upon to play meaningfully in two other games. Big Blue went 2-3 in those starts, with Taylor throwing five touchdowns and three interceptions, an unusually high number for a quarterback who has fiercely protected the ball in previous seasons.
Whatever path the Giants take for their starting quarterback, Taylor as the next man up works. If the team intends to run it back with Daniel Jones, he has struggled to stay healthy throughout his NFL career.
If the sixth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is used on a quarterback, Taylor would be an excellent mentor for the rookie. He could act as a de facto coach on the field while also providing valuable competition during training camp. If coach Brian Daboll does not believe the new guy is ready for Week 1, Taylor could legitimately hold down the job for a few games.
Taylor’s familiarity with Daboll’s offense is a valuable asset, making him an excellent candidate to return to the Giants’ quarterback room in 2024.
If the sixth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft goes to a quarterback, Taylor would make an excellent mentor for the rookie. He could serve as a de facto coach on the field and provide valuable competition during training camp. If coach Brian Daboll does not believe the new guy is ready for Week 1, Taylor could legitimately take over the job for a few games.
Taylor’s familiarity with Daboll’s offense makes him a strong candidate to return to the Giants’ quarterback room in 2024.
Let’s start with the on-field action. Barkley was ranked 16th in rushing yards and 24th in yards from scrimmage in 2023. Christian McCaffrey is not, but he is still a productive player.
Barkley will also not break the bank, given the state of the running back market in recent years. His production, combined with a free agency that will not result in bidding wars, should allow for a fair deal for both parties.
That leaves out everything else about Barkley and the Giants. The owners adore him, and Barkley has done an admirable job as the franchise’s public face. He’s been a great player and even better team ambassador, which the Giants value.
It wasn’t long ago that New York’s coaching staff erred in dealing with a franchise legend, benching Eli Manning during a losing 2017 season. The Giants haven’t achieved the same heights with Barkley as they did with Manning, obviously. However, the running back has earned the right to be treated with respect by the team that selected him.
That leaves out everything else about Barkley and the Giants. The owners adore him, and Barkley has done an admirable job as the franchise’s public face. He’s been a great player and even better team ambassador, which the Giants value.
It wasn’t long ago that New York’s coaching staff erred in dealing with a franchise legend, benching Eli Manning during a losing 2017 season. The Giants haven’t achieved the same heights with Barkley as they did with Manning, obviously. However, the running back has earned the right to be treated with respect by the team that selected him.
Losing Barkley would not jeopardize the Giants’ chances in 2024, and having him back in the lineup would not turn them into instant Super Bowl contenders. However, after doing everything the team has asked of him, Barkley should be rewarded with a new contract if he wishes to remain a Giant.Losing Barkley would not jeopardize the Giants’ chances in 2024, and having him back in the lineup would not turn them into instant Super Bowl contenders. However, after doing everything the team has asked of him, Barkley should be rewarded with a new contract if he wishes to remain a Giant.Losing Barkley would not jeopardize the Giants’ chances in 2024, and having him back in the lineup would not turn them into instant Super Bowl contenders. However, after doing everything the team has asked of him, Barkley should be rewarded with a new contract if he wishes to remain a Giant.
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