Giants' Biggest Keys To Having Successful NFL Offseason

While the New York Giants fell in the divisional round of the playoffs, it's hard not to consider their 2022 campaign a success. Rookie head coach Brian Daboll was named NFL Coach of the Year, New York ended a five-year stretch of missing the postseason, and Daniel Jones finally emerged as a potential franchise quarterback.

For New York to build on its 2022 success, it will need to have a successful offseason in 2023. The Giants have a few key players to either re-sign or replace and some notable holes to fill.

Fortunately, the Giants are equipped with $43.3 million in projected cap space and a fair bit of draft capital—including two third-round selections.

Here, we'll examine three keys to a successful Giants offseason in 2023.

Re-Sign Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley

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Giants QB Daniel Jones

Jones had undoubtedly his best season as a pro under Daboll in 2022. The Giants embraced Jones' dual-threat ability, and the Duke product became a dangerous runner and an efficient game manager.

While no one will argue that Jones has become an elite quarterback, he proved that New York can win with him under center. The problem is that Jones is also scheduled to become a free agent on March 15, and retaining him could become expensive.

ESPN's Jordan Raanan reported last week that Jones' next deal is expected to "come in at over $35 million per season."

The franchise tag will be an option too, but the Giants must find a way to bring back Jones for at least another season. Starting over at the position would make building on New York's 2022 success very difficult.

At the same time, the Giants must figure out a way to retain running back Saquon Barkley. He's also scheduled to reach free agency, and he was just as important to New York's offense as Jones this past season.

Barkley finished with 1,312 rushing yards, 338 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.

If New York can work out a long-term deal with Jones, tagging Barkley could be the logical next step—or vice versa. It will be a mild surprise if the Giants don't use the tag on one of their two offensive stars, but keeping one will be the first step towards a successful offseason.

Add a Legitimate No. 1 Receiver

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SMU WR Rashee Rice

Once the Giants have Jones under contract, they must focus on improving his supporting cast. New York's 26th-ranked passing attack was too often inconsistent in 2022, and it lacked a legitimate go-to pass-catcher.

Players such as Richie James, Darius Slayton and Isaiah Hodgins became Jones' top targets, but there was no true No. 1 receiver on the roster. Hodgins recently got a new contract from New York, but James and Slayton are both scheduled to become free agents.

Unfortunately, there isn't a true No. 1 receiver headed to the open market. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jakobi Meyers and former Giant Odell Beckham Jr.—who didn't play at all in 2022—headline what is a rather shallow free-agent receiver pool.

However, New York could target a receiver like TCU's Rashee Rice with the 26th pick in the draft.

"His ability as a ball-winner on the outside would be welcome on any team," Derrik Klassen of the B/R Scouting Department wrote of Rice. "For more creative teams, Rice's bully-ball YAC skills and alignment flexibility will make him a nifty weapon to move around the formation."

If New York can find the No. 1 receiver it lacked in 2022, Jones should be able to take more positive steps in his development.

Address an Underperforming Run Defense

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Iowa LB Jack Campbell

Defensively, New York must find a way to improve a run defense that was far too inconsistent in 2022.

The Giants had a solid overall defense, one that ranked 17th in points allowed. However, New York ranked a disappointing 31st in yards per carry allowed (5.2).

It would behoove New York to add a playmaking linebacker at the second level. If the contracts of Jones and Barkley don't drain the Giants' coffers too much, chasing a veteran like Lavonte David or Drue Tranquill in free agency would make plenty of sense.

New York could also target a prospect like Iowa's Jack Campbell on Day 2 of the draft.

"Campbell is not a one-size-fits-all type of player," Matt Holder of the B/R Scouting Department wrote. "He could slide in the draft if teams are looking for a linebacker with more man-coverage skills. However, he could be a great Day 2 pick for a team seeking an impact run defender on the second level of its defense."

Improving the run defense will be critical. One thing most of the NFC's contenders—including the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles—have in common is an ability to grind out games on the ground.

The Giants struggled to limit the Eagles on the ground in the playoffs, which is a big reason why their playoff run ended when it did. If New York hopes to go further next year, it must be able to stop the run.

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*Cap information via Sporac.