New York Giants edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeau has teammate Saquon Barkley's backing and believes he should have been paid before quarterback Daniel Jones.
Thibodeau spoke with Carmelo Anthony and Kid Mero on the “7PM in Brooklyn'' podcast and prefaced his statement by saying he believes in Jones and signing a four-year extension worth $160 million. He said 2023 was a tough season for him. He was acquired from the Giants just before the franchise tag deadline last March.
But after watching Barkley lead the Giants' offense during the 2022 playoffs, Thibodeau's rookie season, he was drafted fifth overall by New York State. I explained what I felt I should have been given.
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New York Giants player Kayvon Thibodeau stretches before a game against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium on December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
“You pay Daniel Jones $40 million. I believe in Daniel Jones.” Thibodeau said. “Let me tell you what I'm mad about. The only thing I can say about it. What I'm mad about is Saquon. Because when you look at the game and the tape, you can see that Saquon At least 30% of his explosive plays are talking about years where he won a playoff game.
“So, for me and for the integrity of working together and working hard, and because we all believe in the same thing, I feel like Saquon should have gotten paid first. That That’s how I feel.”
After the Giants reached the playoffs last season with a wild-card road win over the Minnesota Vikings, it was believed New York would remain in the playoffs in 2024.
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General manager Joe Schon extended Jones' contract after impressing the new coaching staff and front office under Brian Daboll with 15 touchdown passes and 3,205 yards while reducing turnovers. decided to give it. Jones also scored seven touchdowns and ran for 708 yards.
New York Giants player Kayvon Thibodeau reacts during a game against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium on December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Barkley also had a solid season, rushing for a career-high 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns, earning him another Pro Bowl appearance.
When it came time to make a decision, Schoen awarded Jones the contract and Barkley was placed on the franchise tag.
The move initially didn't sit well with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, who understood the business side of the league while other running backs dealt with the same situation. In the end, he earned the incentive tag and showed up for the Giants' first day of training camp.
Barkley will likely face the same situation this offseason. Will the Giants pay up or will the franchise tag be reissued? Barkley recently said he hopes the Giants make their intentions clear sooner than they did last season.
Kayvon Thibodeau of the New York Giants reacts after the game against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, December 11, 2023. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
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However, after a disappointing 6-11 record in 2023, both players had question marks. Jones' contract has an opt-out clause after the 2024 season, and the No. 6 overall pick in this year's draft could give the Giants a competitive quarterback. With Jones.
