New York Giants running back Kayvon Thibodeaux is backing teammate Saquon Barkley, who he believes should have been paid before quarterback Daniel Jones.
Thibodeaux spoke with Carmelo Anthony and The Kid Mero on the “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast and prefaced a statement on the matter by saying he believes in Jones, saying 2023 was a difficult season for the man who earned a four-year, $160 million extension . of the Giants just before the franchise tag deadline last March.
However, after watching Barkley lead the Giants' offense during a playoff run in 2022, Thibodeaux's rookie season, New York's fifth overall pick explained why he felt Barkley should have been given what he wanted. It corresponded to him.
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Kayvon Thibodeaux of the New York Giants stretches before a game against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium on December 11, 2023 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
“You pay Daniel Jones $40 million. I believe in Daniel Jones,” Thibodeaux said. “Let me tell you why I'm mad, and that's the only thing I'll say about it. What bothers me is Saquon, because if you watch the game, the tape, Saquon was responsible for at least at least 30% of our explosive plays, speaking of the year we won the playoff game.
“So for me and the integrity of working together and working hard, and we all believe the same things, I feel like Saquon should have been paid first. That's how I feel.”
After the Giants made the playoffs last season, which included a wild card win over the Minnesota Vikings, the belief was that New York would continue contending for the playoffs in 2024.
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General manager Joe Schoen decided to give an extension to Jones, who impressed his new coaching staff under Brian Daboll and the front office with 15 touchdown passes and 3,205 passing yards while reducing turnovers. Jones also ran for 708 yards with seven rushing touchdowns.
Kayvon Thibodeaux of the New York Giants reacts during a game against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium on December 11, 2023, in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Barkley also had a solid season, earning another Pro Bowl nod after rushing for a career-high 1,312 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns.
When it came time to make a decision, Schoen gave the contract to Jones, while Barkley was franchise tagged.
It was a move that initially didn't sit well with the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, who understood the business side of the league while other running backs were dealing with the same situation. He ended up receiving an incentive tag and showed up for the first day of Giants training camp.
Barkley will face the same situation this offseason. Will the Giants pay or will the franchise tag come back on? Barkley recently said that he hopes the Giants make their intentions known sooner than they did last season.
Kayvon Thibodeaux of the New York Giants reacts after a game against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium on December 11, 2023, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
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But both players have question marks after a 6-11 disappointment in 2023. There is an opt-out clause after the 2024 campaign in Jones' contract, and with the sixth overall pick in this year's draft, the Giants they could pick a quarterback to compete. with Jones.
