EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — The Giants had been making some tweaks to their 53-man roster and practice squad, but the team that was on the field Thursday at Quest Diagnostics Training Center is for the most part the one that will take the field on Sept. 11. With things mostly in place first-year general manager Joe Schoen addressed reporters before regular season mode really kicks in at 1925 Giants Drive.
Among the topics that Schoen discussed was where Darius Slayton stood with the team and how he was going to view Daniel Jones’ season this year. Below are five takeaways from Schoen’s press conference on Thursday.
Wide Receivers Expected Week One
One of the main takeaways from the Giants GM was the apparent return of Darius Slayton to the roster. The team reportedly listened to offers on the former fifth-round pick but didn’t have any takers. Slayton is now expected to be on the team’s roster for Week 1, according to Schoen. The general manager also mentioned that Kadarius Toney will also be expected to be ready to play in the season opener against Tennesee. The first-round pick in 2021 had been dealing with a lower-body injury.
Gamesmanship for Kenny Golladay
Schoen spoke in depth about the Giants receivers, but perhaps the most informative news came in regards to Kenny Golladay. The general manager announced that Golladay was recovering from an injury in the early days of camp and was coming along nicely. Schoen later added that Golladay had perfect attendance, but it wasn’t exactly a ringing endorsement for the wideout. It’s significant because the last general manager who touted attendance as a positive was Howie Roseman in regards to Eagles first-round pick Jalen Reagor. Reagor was shipped off to Minnesota 48 hours after Roseman’s remarks. The Giants won’t be shipping off Golladay anytime soon due to his large contract, but it’s clear that he hasn’t shown enough to the coaching staff or front office throughout camp.
No expectations for Daniel Jones
The Giants’ general manager avoided trying to put too much pressure on the often scrutinized QB going into the start of the season. Jones will be the shot caller to start the year and it has been well documented just how important this year will be after New York opted not to pick up the final year of his contract. Schoen indicated that he was happy with the progress that Jones had made over the course of camp– specifically pointing out his preseason performances in New England and against Cincinnati, as well as the joint practice with the Jet — but he wouldn’t discuss any expectations.
For head coach Brian Daboll, the biggest thing for his QBs to be successful is their decision-making. “As the game goes out, did you make the right decisions for the offense,” Daboll said.
The Schoen-Daboll connection
It’s hard to argue that Schoen and Daboll’s Buffalo connection hasn’t been a huge boost for the two coming into their new gigs leading the Giants, and the two have been in lockstep since camp started up in late July. It’s clear the level of respect and communication that the two share for one another.
“Very good leadership. It’s a different role so his ability to lead the team are all positives,” Schoen said about Daboll.
“I’d say the same thing for Joe. Clear expectations and how he handles everyone in the building,” Daboll added about his boss.
Ownership committed to the rebuild
With a new head coach and general manager in place, the Giants are going into the season in rebuild mode. Their current financial constraints have limited what Schoen could do this season, but the Giants will have plenty of space to work with next season. They’re projected to have $54.3 million in space next year, which would make them the team with the fourth-most cap space in the league. More importantly, Schoen indicated that the front office has the support of ownership to go through the necessary steps needed to help the team get back to where it should be, even if that means a down year this season.
“Communication’s great and he understands what we’re trying to do,” Schoen said.