First off, let me say that the production and behind-the-scenes footage that Hard Knocks of the New York Giants showed us this offseason is unmatched. The footage of their process and how they navigated the Brian Barnes trade and QB scouting for the 2024 NFL Draft is something we may never see again in the NFL media scene.
The reason for not returning is simple: This offseason’s content has made the Giants look foolish in almost every way. Giants general manager Joe Sean came to New York with high expectations after a lengthy stint in Buffalo, and now the questions will be even louder.
The biggest revelation from the Giants’ hard knocks offseason was their attempt to re-sign running back Saquon Barkley, who left for the rival Philadelphia Eagles. This entire process seems to mirror what Barkley said about his negotiations with the Giants, where he said there was a lot going on behind the scenes that frustrated him enough to leave the team, according to EJ Smith of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
In light of the new episode of Hard Knocks, this quote from an article I wrote earlier this week about Saquon Barkley is especially relevant.
“He could have said what really went on behind the scenes, what was in the deals and what wasn’t. … He could have easily burned them… https://t.co/d3aAx0Jkap
— EJ Smith (@EJSmith94) July 17, 2024
In the first few episodes, the Giants were in talks about Barkley’s contract, which was very intriguing to say the least.
Plus, Joe Sean is really, really hung up on the Daniel Jones issue. In the first episode, he defends the $40 million contract the Giants gave to QB Daniel Jones at Barkley’s request. “We’re paying Jones $40 million,” Giants general manager Joe Sean says, “not to give the ball to a $12 million running back.”
I understand the premise of that statement, but guess what team would have paid Jones $40 million in 2022 if Barkley had returned from injury and played above average for the Giants? Yes, Sean and the New York Football Giants. They tied themselves to this flawed wagon and decided to pay Jones $40 million even though they had entrusted the ball to a $12 million guy to get the contract.
Wow.
Then, as we get into a later episode where the Giants are negotiating Saxon’s contract, owner John Mara parachutes in and, knowing what we now know, makes the funniest comment in Hard Knocks history.
“I’m going to lose sleep over Saquon going to Philadelphia because he’s the most popular player on our team right now.”
I can safely say that every piece of footage that comes out of this Giants tough battle is more entertaining than the last one. pic.twitter.com/tL4MaOeJsK
— Jeff McDevitt (@JeffMcDev) July 17, 2024
It remains to be seen whether we will see more of this type of content from HBO and the NFL in the future. Fans obviously want a behind-the-scenes look at the NFL offseason, but teams may not like how it is presented. Producing offseason content through the teams gives them more of a say in what fans see and don’t see. We may see that with HBO’s efforts.
Or maybe the Giants just look stupid and it’ll be a new idea.
