Giants’ GM Joe Schoen: Devin Singletary ‘good enough to win with’

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen offered more details on what we have seen on ‘Hard Knocks,’ particularly episode 3, during a chat with Peter Schrager on this week’s version of ‘The Official Hard Knocks Podcast.’

Here’s some of what Schrager and Schoen covered.

The scrutiny of every decision

We have never had access to any NFL organization making critical offseason decisions before. It is both informative and fascinating. Because it is the Giants every move, every facial expression, every interaction has been over-analyzed.

Schrager said every scene has been analyzed “like Zapruder footage.”

Schoen said he has “stayed away” from the reactions. He has said in the past that he never got comfortable with the cameras, and admitted to Schrager that there was “obviously reservation” about discussing franchise business in front of cameras.

“These are private conversations you’re having or strategy and it can all come back in your face,” Schoen said. “Something doesn’t happen week seven, and they pull something from the show, and this is what they said. It’s all gambles. They’re all bets. You’re betting that this plan is going to play out, and you’ve got to have a lot of luck as well that you’re going to stay healthy, and the ball’s going to bounce your way. So yeah, there’s — we put ourselves out there. I’m proud of the staff that we have put together, and there’s a lot of talented people in that building, and I think that was on display.

“So yeah, there’s definitely some uncomfortable conversations that are out there that you typically wouldn’t want out there for everybody to see.”

Letting Saquon Barkley go …

That decision is the one that will define the Giants’ offseason.

“It was difficult.It always is. Just where our roster is and the different needs that we had, and how we were going to allocate our funds that we had, we had to make a difficult decision,” Schoen said.

“I remember how I felt at that moment. And again, these decisions aren’t easy, and you’re trying to put this puzzle together, and it is stressful. And you’re always testing your process. And what are the positive outcomes? What could go wrong? What would it look like if we do this? What would it look like if we don’t do it? Watching some of these, it takes me back to those days and the stress I was feeling. And again, not knowing exactly what the future is going to hold or how it’s going to turn out.”

Schoen on signing Devin Singletary …

“I was in Buffalo when we drafted Devin Singletary, Motor. Great kid. He’s been productive. He’s been durable. Had a really good season last year for Houston,” Schoen said. “So he was a guy we had on our— on our radarthe last four years. He’s been the leading rusher on whatever team he’s been on. And the last four years, those teams have won a playoff game. So he’s good enough to win with. He’s healthy, he’s durable, and he’s good enough to win playoff games. So he’s a guy at the price point, the type of kid he is, the work ethic, again, the durability, the availability, that we’re excited to get.”

Schoen on adding to the offensive line …

“We had a lot of injuries last year, and that hurt us. So, that was a concerted effort and getting Jermaine Eluemunor and Jon Runyan. So, we had guys that were targeted. We were able to get ‘em,” Schoen said. “I think that’s going to help everybody. It’s going to help Devin Singletary, it’s going to help Daniel Jones, it’s going to help Malik Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson, all those guys get the ball as well because if the quarterback can’t stand on his feet, it’s hard to get those guys the ball and spread it around.”

More details on the Brian Burns trade …

In making the trade for Burns, the Giants had to both work out the parameters with the Carolina Panthers and get Burns to agree to a long-term contract. Schoen gave more insight into how the trade happened, and gave props to Senior Vice President of Football Operations & Strategy Kevin Abrams.

“So Sunday night, Dan [Morgan, the Panthers GM] and I talked. He’s like, “Hey, if you can get a deal done with Burns and Todd France, his agent, and Athletes First, then I think we’re close enough.” So, that night, Kevin Abrams and I were communicating up until 1 a.m. And I finally, I can’t keep my eyes open anymore. And I think Kevin and Todd agreed to something around 3 a.m., and then we just had some small details to tighten up early that morning.”

Watch the full episode below.