Joe Schoen interestingly revealed he is not yet completely familiar with defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale’s system and player needs.
“I’m still trying to get familiarized with our defensive staff and how they’re gonna utilize players,” the Giants general manager said when asked if he planned to pick up the fifth-year option for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence before the May 2 deadline. “We had some really productive conversations. I haven’t worked with Wink before. I haven’t been in a 3-4 since probably my time down in Miami. So just trying to figure out what traits they’re looking for in each player.”
The Giants initially made public they expected Patrick Graham to stay on as DC, only to see him bolt for the Las Vegas Raiders. So as Schoen evaluates prospects for the NFL Draft, he is simultaneously learning about the coordinator he is drafting them for.
As for Lawrence, Schoen said: “Dexter’s a really good player, and we’ll obviously have extensive conversations about what we’re gonna do there.”
Schoen similarly said there has been no decisions on Daniel Jones’ fifth-year option at quarterback.
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The Logan Ryan release remains an interesting storyline. Schoen was curt when asked why he cut the veteran safety.
“Yeah, best decision for the New York Giants,” the GM said. “We thought it was best talking to new staff. That was the best. I wish Logan nothing but the best.”
Asked if he wasn’t a scheme fit, Schoen repeated: “It was the best decision for the New York Giants.”
Mara put the decision on Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, saying they “decided they wanted to move on, so I wasn’t gonna block it. I liked him, thought he was as good player, did some great things in the community.”
Daboll also called Ryan a “good player” but said he wasn’t a “fit.” The coach said “when you’re taking over a new program, there’s decisions that need to be made, and you make those decisions you do what you think is the right thing for your team.”
The Daily News previously reported there were members of the Giants’ front office who wanted Ryan out. He had been the Giants’ primary leader and conduit to the on-field defense, locker room and public, and they wanted to make a change there.
Ryan, meanwhile, stuck it to the Giants by signing for the minimum with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at one year, $1.12 million.
The Giants owed him $5.5 million in guaranteed salary for 2022, minus whatever he signed for with his other team. Ryan’s Bucs contract leaves the Giants with the highest amount possible: $4.38 million. And now they’re paying him that to play for a Super Bowl contending NFC team.
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