Louis Riddick praises Giants, Joe Schoen for a job well done
Despite coming down to the wire, the New York Giants agreed to a long-term deal with Daniel Jones. In turn, the Jones deal gave the Giants the freedom to use the franchise tag on Saquon Barkley.
As usual, for any news pertaining to the name Daniel Jones, the reactions on Twitter were mixed. However, ESPN NFL analyst Louis Riddick believes the Giants executed a perfect plan by retaining both Jones and Barkley.
The amount of learning, adapting, adjusting, and continuous improving that Kafka did both personally and as far as utilizing what he had to work with as a play caller in ‘22 was exceptional. One of THE best assistant coaching jobs of the year.
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) March 8, 2023
Without the new deal for Jones, the Giants were prepared to tag him which likely meant Barkley was headed for free agency. The two have been considered a package deal for some time.
While Riddick’s take should put Giants fans at ease, it does hint that offensive coordinator Mike Kafka will be considered for head coaching positions again after the 2023 season.
Jones’ reported low Year 1 cap hit allows the Giants some freedom in free agency to perhaps improve the interior of the offensive line or go get DJ a weapon in the passing game.
With the Giants’ improved cap situation from last offseason, it should give general manager Joe Schoen the ability to upgrade the roster around Jones and Barkley.
