Joe Schoen: “We pay Daniel Jones 40 million a year, it's not so he can give the ball to a running back who pays 12 million”
The first episode of Hard Knocks on the Giants has produced some juicy sequences. Among them, a discussion between general manager Joe Schoen and his assistants with this first statement on Daniel Jones and the offense.
“He didn’t get a lot of chances last season. Our starting offensive line only played 60 snaps. Against Miami, we had three practice squad players! Even Mahomes couldn’t have done much in those conditions!” Schoen said.
The last draft could have been the end of Jones' story at MetLife Stadium. Instead, Joe Schoen gave him a luxury target in WR Malik Nabers. In the first episode of Hard Knocks, the general manager justifies the decision to keep Jones by blaming pass protection.
A decision also motivated by the big contract offered to Jones last offseason, pushing Saquon Barkley towards the exit. In any case, the general manager is putting pressure on the quarterback for next season.
“We pay him $40 million a year, not to give the ball to a running back who makes $12 million a year. This is the year or never for Daniel, we've given him a few years to adapt. Either he proves he can be our quarterback for the next ten years, or we go in another direction.”
Cam Heyward uncertain about his future
Even the most loyal veterans can strike for a new contract. That's the case with Cameron Heyward (DL, Steelers). The pass rusher has not taken part in the Steelers' voluntary activities in an effort to improve his contract situation. Heyward will be a free agent in 2025. However, as he told reporter Jim Rome, talks have stalled.
“I don't know if it's going to be resolved by the start of the regular season. I'd like to be a Steeler forever and getting a new contract would help that. My goal is to play for the Steelers this season and have a good season and hopefully continue to play for them. If not, I'll play in another city,” the veteran said.
Josh Jacobs wants to write his legend
After having enjoyed the glory days of the Las Vegas Raiders, Josh Jacobs (RB) joined the Green Bay Packers during the last free agency, imitating among others other renowned running backs like Saquon Barkley (Eagles) or Derrick Henry (Ravens). Asked about this transfer, Jacobs believes that he made the right choice.
“I think that for this attack [ndlr : des Packers]the sky is the limit. Jordan Love is a player like no other, we have great young receivers and a very good offensive line. I can't wait to see what role they have for me in this offense. I think this year is going to be special.”
Jacobs also knows that a running back's career is short. And the 26-year-old former Raider knows now is the time to be competitive.
“I want to leave my mark in the NFL by playing important games, by participating in the playoffs and why not by playing this game that we all dream of [ndlr : le Super Bowl] “, Jacobs told NFL Network.
Buccaneers locker room conquered by Baker Mayfield
Everything is going well for Baker Mayfield (QB, Buccaneers). The former first overall pick in the draft is coming off the best season of his career (4,044 passing yards, 28 touchdowns and 10 interceptions). He even led his team to a playoff victory against the Eagles. As proof that he has convinced his management, he signed a three-year extension with the Buccaneers for $100 million, including $50 million guaranteed. His teammates are of the same opinion.
“You could run through a wall for Baker. He’s willing to leave his body on the field. He’s just a great guy. He’s willing to help anybody on the field and in the community,” teammate Calijah Kancey (DT) said on The Jim Rome Show.
Goal 12-15 sacks for Kwity Paye
The Indianapolis Colts were one of the good surprises in terms of sacks last year. With 51 sacks (5th NFL team in this area) including 4 players with over 8 sacks individually last year, the Colts defensive line must confirm. Among these players with over 8 sacks, Kwity Paye is one of them and sets the tone.
“I want to have at least 10.5 sacks this season. My goal is to reach 12 to 15 sacks. In any case, having a double-digit number is the goal. […] Our defensive line has gotten better every season since I've been here. We want to break records. Maybe we'll all reach 10 sacks. Either way, we're excited to see what we're capable of and what's in store for us.”
Following this statement, Kwity Paye does not lack praise for the recently drafted Laiatu Latu, 1st choice of the Colts in 2024. He declares that the rookie is humble, curious, and motivated. Kwity Paye will be under contract until the end of the 2025 season, because the Colts exercised the option of his 5th and final year of his rookie contract.
Maxx Crosby at full throttle in 2024
In 2023, Maxx Crosby (EDGE, Raiders) recorded a career-high 14.5 sacks. However, the pass rusher's body was heavily stressed, as evidenced by the knee and thumb surgeries he underwent after the season. For the 2024 season, Maxx Crosby hopes to regain his former health, but he doesn't plan on taking his foot off the gas.
“I was limited in every practice last season. I had to make an adjustment, take a step back and take three steps forward, because I had to be ready on Sunday. I have the same mindset going into this offseason. I want to be the best in the world at my position and that's not just words. I'm going to dig deep and have the best season of my career,” the pass rusher told ESPN.
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