The New York Giants made a significant decision this offseason by opting to re-sign their star running back, Saquon Barkley, allowing him to explore a competitive offer from the Philadelphia Eagles worth three years and $37.75 million. This strategic move reflects the Giants’ commitment to retaining top talent while navigating the complexities of player contracts in the NFL.

Subsequently, the Giants turned their attention to Devin Singletary, bringing him on board through free agency with a deal valued at three years for $16.5 million, which is notably less than Barkley’s potential contract. This decision showcases their willingness to seek alternative options while managing their salary cap effectively.

Prior to settling on Singletary and stepping back from pursuing Barkley, Giants’ general manager Joe Schoen had initially set his sights on another free agent—Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders, who had an impressive season leading the NFL in rushing yards with a total of 1,653 yards in 2022. This pursuit indicates the Giants’ ambition to enhance their backfield strength.

On March 11, the first day of free agency, Jacobs made headlines by signing a lucrative contract with the Green Bay Packers for four years at $48 million. This move not only solidified his future but also highlighted the competitive nature of the free agency market.

In a revealing interview with The Athletic, Jacobs disclosed that the Giants had presented him with an offer that surpassed what he eventually accepted from Green Bay, exceeding it by $3 million to $4 million. However, factors such as New York’s high taxes, lifestyle, intense media scrutiny, and the artificial turf at MetLife Stadium contributed to his decision to decline their offer.

The Giants came on strong with a deal in between $3 million and $4 million more than he ultimately accepted. But Jacobs was shut off by the New York taxes, way of life, media and the synthetic grass at MetLife Stadium.

When the Packers used $48 million over 4 years, he was interested, however he still visualized himself as a Raider for life. In his mind, his first string wasn’t his company as much as his home. So he offered the Raiders a chance to match. When they stated no, he informed them he would accept less than the Packers used if they consisted of rewards. The Raiders turned him down.

It doesn’t take long for players to discover various aspects of the New York metropolitan region. While some athletes may dream of playing in this vibrant city, many are now recognizing the challenges that Jacobs articulated. The relentless media presence can be overwhelming, especially for players who prefer a quieter lifestyle. Additionally, the high tax rates in New York can be a significant deterrent for potential signings.

Furthermore, the playing surface at MetLife Stadium has garnered criticism for negatively impacting players’ careers, leading to concerns about safety and performance. The collective insights from Jacobs’ experience reveal a broader narrative about player preferences and the realities of the NFL landscape.

The key takeaway from this situation is that the Giants were seriously interested in acquiring Jacobs, and they were prepared to allocate a substantial portion of their salary cap towards a running back, albeit not to Barkley. This revelation shifts the narrative around many discussions that Schoen had regarding running backs on HBO’s Hard Knocks and raises questions about the team’s long-term strategy.

Speculating on what might have transpired if Jacobs had chosen to accept the Giants’ offer remains a mystery. However, this situation underscores Joe Schoen’s adeptness at managing negotiations discreetly while keeping his strategic intentions under wraps.