Fans are loudly debating who should shoulder more responsibility for the current issues plaguing the Giants—Brian Daboll or Joe Schoen.
Daboll was dismissed on Monday, while Schoen will remain in his role and is tasked with finding the team’s next head coach.
So, let’s dive into Schoen’s record while heading the Giants.
Notable Moves
Drafting Jackson Dart
Schoen made quite the move, trading back to select Dart with the 25th pick in April’s draft. Many believe Dart might evolve into a franchise quarterback.
To make this happen, he sent the Texans the 34th pick, the 99th pick, and a 2026 third-round selection.
Opinions on Dart’s potential have been mixed since his college days. Yet, if there were a redo, he would likely be the first overall pick.
Brian Burns Trade and Contract
In the 2024 offseason, Schoen traded a second-round pick and two fifth-rounders to the Panthers for Burns, who was entering the final year of his contract.
Right after that, the Giants offered Burns a five-year deal worth $150 million.
He had a standout season, becoming one of the league’s elite edge defenders and leading in sacks.
Additionally, he ranks second in tackles.
Malik Nabors Draft
Nabors quickly rose in prominence, impressively positioning himself as a top receiver before suffering an ACL injury this year.
Although there were uncertainties about other quarterbacks like Michael Penix Jr. and JJ McCarthy, Nabors was a solid choice. The only potential regret may be Bo Nix, but Dart seems to relieve that tension.
Signing Germaine Elemunor
Elemunor has proven to be a solid right tackle on a two-year deal worth $14 million, making the acquisition worthwhile.
Now, Schoen faces a crucial decision about whether to make a big contract move this offseason.
Areas of Concern
Drafting Evan Neal
The 2022 No. 7 pick has not lived up to expectations and has been a healthy scratch for most of the season without any game participation.
Efforts to transition him from tackle to guard have not been fruitful.
Deonte Banks Trade Up and Draft
Schoen traded a couple of late-round picks to move up to draft Banks. Unfortunately, he has struggled, losing his starting position and underperforming when given the chance.
Jalin Hyatt Trade Up and Draft
Schoen also traded up to select Hyatt, sacrificing multiple picks for a speedy receiver. However, his contribution has been lackluster, with minimal receiving yards and no touchdowns.
This season, he has been entirely omitted from the game plan.
Daniel Jones Contract
While Jones has recently found success with the Colts, shortly after Schoen signed him to a four-year, $160 million contract, he struggled and was released by the Giants in just his second season.
Saquon Barkley Situation
Negotiations between Schoen and Barkley fell through, leading to Barkley leaving for the Eagles, where he played a significant role in their Super Bowl win.
Xavier McKinney’s Decision
Schoen allowed McKinney to become a free agent last year. After signing with the Packers, he earned a first-team All-Pro title and continues to excel this season.
Julian Love’s Decision
In a similar vein, Schoen let Love go, who then became a Pro Bowler with the Seahawks and has been a dependable starter since.
A Mixed Bag
Drafting Kayvon Thibodeau
The fifth overall pick in 2022 hasn’t been a major hit. While he’s shown some promise, calling him a mistake may not be entirely fair as he has performed at an above-average level.
Drafting Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Last year, Tracy, a fifth-round pick, had a solid rookie season but has since lost his role and underperformed this year.
Future Decisions
Drafting Abdul Carter
Carter has shown glimpses of potential but hasn’t yet reached the impact level the Giants envisioned with their third overall pick this April.
Drafting Cam Skatebo
Skatebo was a fourth-round selection who quickly became a fan favorite. However, it’s uncertain if we’ve seen his peak performance, especially after a recent injury.
Drafted Tyler Nubin and Drew Phillips
Both second- and third-round picks made an impressive entrance last year but have regressed since. Could they benefit from a different defensive coordinator?
Paulson Adebo and Jevon Holland
Both were signed this offseason aiming to strengthen the secondary but have faced injury issues. When healthy, they haven’t formed a particularly strong unit.
