Giants GM on Saquon Barkley departure: ‘Can’t keep them all’

The New York Giants suffered one of the marquee departures in free agency when running back Saquon Barkley signed a $37.75 million deal with NFC East rival Philadelphia two weeks ago.General manager Jim Schoen has been busy tweaking the Giants’ roster since, and he had a pragmatic answer when asked about Barkley’s departure at the NFL owners meetings on Monday.”I wish Saquon nothing but the best,” Schoen told reporters. “You can’t keep them all. He did a lot for the franchise. Walter Payton Man of the Year, a lot of production. I enjoyed working with him for two years and everything he did for (coach Brian Daboll) and I in that playoff run (in 2022). I wish him nothing but the best.”Barkley, 27, rushed for 962 yards and six touchdowns in 14 starts last season, just shy of his fourth 1,000-yard season. He has been replaced, at least for the time being, by former Texans and Bills running back Devin Singletary, who leads a backfield depth chart that also includes Gary Brightwell and Eric Gray.Schoen also signed guards Aaron Stinnie from Tampa Bay and Jon Runyan from Green Bay, tackle Jermaine Eluemunor from Las Vegas and backup center Austin Schlottmann from Minnesota in an effort to bolster a group that allowed a league-high 85 sacks last season.The offensive line was the primary focus of free agency for Schoen, who also made a big splash with the trade and signing of pass rusher Brian Burns.The Giants also hold the No. 6 overall pick in next month’s NFL draft and own three of the top 70 picks overall. Schoen predictably played his cards close to his vest when asked about how he is approaching the draft.”We’ll look at all options, whether it’s going up, back, staying,” he said. “Ultimately, I think we’ll end up with a good player.”

Question of the Day

May 10

Q: The older you are, the more likely you are to do this every day…especially if you’re over the age of 60… A: Drink coffee

May 9

Q: A new survey says people say this is the #1 priority for choosing a breakfast food… A: Easy to make/don’t have to make it

May 8

Q: A survey says almost 100% of us agree this is something we have no patience for… A: Listening to voice mail