Giants’ Dave Gettleman grabs upper hand at press conference after first round of 2021 NFL draft
The media beat pool that covers the New York Giants loves to spar with general manager Dave Gettleman, and they usually come away victorious.
On Thursday night, however, Gettleman turned the tables on the media by not getting fleeced in a trade back with the Chicago Bears. The Giants swapped the 11th overall selection for four draft picks, one of which they turned into Florida wide receiver Kadarius Toney.
“Obviously it was too good an opportunity. It added too much value, and we felt very comfortable with where our board was and we felt comfortable with who would be there, who would be available in that slot. So we made it. We did it,” Gettleman said. “So we added a 1 and a 4 [first- and fourth-round picks] next year. Another pick for this year and another pick for next year. We were very pleased we were able to make the play.
“As far as Kadarius is concerned, one of the off-eason goals was to add weapons on offense, and Kadarius, certainly he’s a good-size kid. He’s strong. He can run. He catches the ball well and he’s a very tough kid and he’s got return skills. So we were thrilled that he was there for us at that spot. So that’s where we’re at.”
There was nothing to add — or subtract — from that statement. Gettleman served an ace. The media could only stand aside and watch.
Gettleman then beat them all to the punch by being perfectly honest about trading within the division and trading back. He also wiped out any notion that the Giants had any interest in Aaron Rodgers.
“[Eagles GM] Howie [Roseman] is not afraid to trade with anybody,” said Gettleman. “I had a conversation with him earlier in the week, and he said, ‘Dave, do you have any problems trading with me?’ I said, ‘No, if it works for both of us, it works for both of us.’ They made the trade [with the Dallas Cowboys] and we decided to trade back.
“Howie is not afraid to trade with people in the division. Howie called me, and I told him, I said, ‘Yeah, I got no problem trading with you.’ It’s a business deal. That’s what it is. It’s a business deal. And one hand washes the other, so obviously Dallas was happy with their return. So they made the trade with Philly. It’s not a big deal.”
Rumors about Rodgers were swirling all night, but no trade materialized. Gettleman said the Giants already have a quarterback.
“No, it’s none of my business,” Gettleman said. “Very frankly, we’ve told you guys over and over and over again, we believe in Daniel [Jones]. It would have cost — it’s going to cost a motherlode for anybody to get [Rodgers] — even though he’s 37 years old.”
Gettleman won over the room on Thursday, but Day 2 is when GMs make their bones. His recent Day 2 record has been spotty, although the jury is still out on some of the players.
