The New York Giants made substantial changes to their backfield this offseason. They decided to let go of star running back Saquon Barkley, who had been a key player for them. In his place, the Giants signed veteran Devin Singletary and drafted rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. Despite these changes, it appears the Giants were still interested in adding a top-tier running back to their roster.
Recent reports from Dan Pompei of The Athletic reveal that the Giants made a significant offer to Josh Jacobs, the former running back of the Las Vegas Raiders. Jacobs spoke with Pompei about why he ultimately chose to join the Green Bay Packers instead. According to Jacobs, the Giants’ offer was between $3 million and $4 million more than the deal he accepted with the Packers.
Jacobs cited several reasons for turning down the Giants’ offer. He was reportedly deterred by the high taxes in New York, the city’s lifestyle, the intense media scrutiny, and the artificial turf at MetLife Stadium. These factors contributed to his decision to go elsewhere despite the lucrative offer from the Giants.
The Giants’ decision not to re-sign Barkley was a significant move, especially since Barkley eventually signed a three-year contract worth $37.75 million with the Philadelphia Eagles. Jacobs’ contract with the Packers was valued at $48 million over four years, which would have made any offer from the Giants need to exceed this amount to be considered.
Art Stapleton of North Jersey and Ryan Dunleavy of The New York Post have since questioned the accuracy of the reported offer. Dunleavy specifically noted on X (formerly Twitter) that, to his knowledge, the Giants never actually made an offer to Jacobs. This discrepancy has raised questions about the validity of the initial report.
With the start of the 2024-25 season, the Giants are moving forward without a standout running back. Instead, they are employing a committee approach with Singletary and Tracy Jr. as their primary rushers. This strategy will be crucial in determining how effectively they can compete against opposing defenses.
Meanwhile, Jacobs is preparing to meet the expectations that come with his new contract in Green Bay. The Packers have high hopes for him, and Jacobs will need to perform at a high level to justify his significant deal. His ability to adapt and excel in his new environment will be closely watched.
The Giants’ shift in strategy and their approach to the running back position reflect broader trends in team management and player valuation. The decision to move away from paying premium contracts to running backs is part of a larger pattern seen across the NFL.
As the season progresses, both the Giants and Jacobs will be under scrutiny. The Giants will be assessed on how well their running back committee performs and whether their decision to move on from Barkley and potentially Jacobs was the right one. Jacobs will be evaluated on how well he lives up to his contract and contributes to the Packers’ success.
The Giants’ new backfield setup and Jacobs’ role with the Packers will be key storylines throughout the 2024-25 NFL season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how these moves impact both teams’ performances and if the decisions made during the offseason pay off.
In summary, the Giants’ reported offer to Jacobs and his eventual decision to join the Packers highlight the complexities and considerations involved in NFL free agency. Jacobs’ choice underscores how various factors, including financial terms and personal preferences, influence player decisions in the league.