Notebook: GM Joe Schoen talks state of the Giants

Schoen offered a less detailed evaluation of quarterback Daniel Jones, who has started every game this season. Daboll yesterday opened the door to the possibility that one of the team’s backups, Drew Lock or Tommy DeVito, could replace Jones in the Giants’ next game, Nov. 24 against Tampa Bay in MetLife Stadium.

“In general, Daniel has played some good games,” Schoen said. “There’s some games where maybe he’d like to have some throws back or do things differently. But, in general, it’s not one individual or one situation that keeps occurring, unfortunately. So, whether it’s defense on the field at the end of the game, we’ve got a chance to close it out. Or offense has the ball in a couple different games and we could go down and score and close the game out. We’re going to look at solutions and we’re going to evaluate everything, like Dabs said yesterday, and that’s what we’ll do moving forward here.”

Asked about Jones possibly being replaced, Schoen said, “It will be a football decision. Any decisions we make moving forward, as we evaluate the roster and what we’re doing for the final seven games, will be football decisions.”

Schoen did not want to discuss whether Jones has a long-term future with the Giants but discussed where the team is in broader terms.

“We have seven games left in this season and that’s what we’re focused on,” he said. “I’m focused on 2024 and how we can get better these final seven games. We have 19 of 22 starters under contract for next year. I believe it’s 41 players on the 53 (man roster). So, there is a young nucleus of players here, and some veterans, that are going be together. We’re in a position where we have some continuity. As this team grows together, it’s important over these final seven weeks that… A lot of these guys are going to be together again next year. We’re finally in a position where there will be some continuity year over year. It’s important that we find ways to win games, specifically those ones I spoke about earlier when it’s close. That’s part of changing the culture and expecting to win. You don’t want it to be, ‘Here we go again.’ So, that’s a mindset that we’re still trying to develop.

“We do have a young team. We’re the youngest defense in the league. We have (tight end) Theo (Johnson), (running back Tyrone) Tracy (Jr.), (wide receiver Malik) Nabers, some young guys on offense that are playing major roles for us and contributing. It’s important for them to grow and learn how to win games as well.”

The 2024 draft class included just six players, but all have contributed, including offensive starters Nabers, Johnson and Tracy, and safety Tyler Nubin, who has missed just two snaps all season, on defense.

They joined a collection of players Schoen inherited or acquired via trade or free agency and his first two drafts that he believes will continue to grow and improve together. Wide receiver Darius Slayton and right guard Greg Van Roten are the only offensive starters not signed for 2025.

“I like Tyler Nubin,” Schoen said. “He’s played well for us. He’s one of the only rookies playing 99% of the defensive play time. He’s leading rookies in tackles. So, I’m excited about him. Tyrone Tracy (is) also leading rookies in terms of rushing. I’m excited about the young players that we have. The build is tough. It hurts sometimes as you’re going through it. But, you got to go through it to get to the other side.

“I like the young foundation that we’ve put in place. Whether it’s (outside linebacker Brian) Burns and Dex (defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence) and (outside linebacker) Kayvon (Thibodeaux). … There are some young pieces in place in terms of the foundation, that we’re going to continue to build on. Another year of free agency and another draft, we’re not far off.”

With some experience and another offseason to bolster the roster, Schoen believes the Giants can, as one reporter asked, “make a decent leap forward.”

“Yeah, I really do,” Schoen said. “We’ll get into 2025 when we get there. I don’t know what that looks like right now. Again, we’re focused on these last seven games. But I do like where we are from a continuity standpoint. And I think that’s important. Year over year, having a core nucleus of players that can lead and teach and help implement the coach’s message, the scheme, whatever it may be, Constant turnover and new players every year, that’s tough. And the goal all along was to build something that’s sustainable. And to do that, it takes time. And based on resources that you have, again, it’s painful going through it, but I think where we are right now and where we’re heading, yes, there should be.”