Sep 8, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; American football player Odell Beckham Jr before the game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

OBJ teases to Saquon Barkley: Tell Giants GM to call my agent

Free agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has reached out to a familiar face in order to potentially facilitate a return to the New York Giants.

Beckham and Giants running back Saquon Barkley had an exchange on social media that indicated the former would like the latter to speak to general manager Joe Schoen on his behalf.

“Tell Joe call my agent,” Beckham wrote on Twitter, punctuating it with a laughing emoji. “I got some more (stuff) left to do.”

[SOCIAL

Jan 8, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Parris Campbell (1) rushes the ball after making a long reception Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, during a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Giants to sign WR Parris Campbell

The New York Giants are signing wide receiver Parris Campbell to a one-year contract, multiple media outlets reported on Thursday.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Campbell, 25, recorded 63 catches for 623 yards and three touchdowns in 17 games last season with the Indianapolis Colts. Those numbers eclipsed the sum total of his previous three seasons with the Colts, during which he had 34 receptions for 360 yards and two scores in 15 games.

The reported acquisition of Campbell will provide another target for Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, who earlier this month signed a four-year, $160 million contract.

–Field Level Media

January 1, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) catches a pass against San Francisco 49ers safety Tashaun Gipson Sr. (31) during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Giants to acquire TE Darren Waller from Raiders

The New York Giants are acquiring former Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller from the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, multiple media outlets reported on Tuesday.

The Raiders will receive the No. 100 overall pick of the draft. That selection was the compensatory pick originally awarded to the Chiefs that Kansas City sent to the Giants in a trade for wideout Kadarius Toney on Oct. 22.

Trades cannot become official until the start of the league year on Wednesday.

The reported acquisition of Waller will give a big-play target to Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, who earlier this month agreed to terms on a four-year, $160 million contract.

Waller, 30, has spent the past five seasons with the Raiders franchise. Last season, injuries limited him to just nine games (six starts), and he made 28 catches for 388 yards and three touchdowns.

Waller had back-to-back seasons of more than 1,100 yards in 2019 and 2020. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2020.

Last September, Waller signed a three-year, $51 million contract extension with $22 million in guaranteed money.

–Field Level Media

Jan 8, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) warms up Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, before a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Scheer-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Giants agree to terms with LB Bobby Okereke

The New York Giants will sign former Indianapolis Colt Bobby Okereke, regarded as one of the top inside linebackers available in free agency, multiple media outlets reported Monday.

The Giants and Okereke agreed to terms for a four-year, $40 million contract, with $22 million guaranteed, according to the reports. Monday was the first day of the NFL’s free agent negotiating period.

Okereke, 26, played four seasons in Indianapolis and is coming off his best campaign, as he a career-high 151 tackles, including 99 solo. He made 17 of those tackles (his single-game best) with 13 solo in a 38-10 loss to the Giants in Week 17.

The Colts drafted him in the third round out of Stanford in 2019. After starting eight games in both his rookie and second seasons, the 6-foot-1, 235-pounder became a full-time starter in 2021, when he had 132 tackles (89 solo).

For his career, Okereke has 420 tackles (293 solo), 15 tackles for loss, four quarterback hits, two sacks, four forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries in 64 games (49 starts).

–Field Level Media

Jan 21, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Giants’ Daniel Jones set to tend to business with contract in tow

Wearing a loose-fitting grey sweatshirt, New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones was otherwise all business on Wednesday, one day after agreeing to terms on a four-year, $160 million contract.

The agreement — which includes $82 million guaranteed at signing and $35 million in incentives — came just minutes before the 4 p.m. ET deadline for teams to use their franchise tag.

Jones was in the Giants’ facility when he found out the deal was done at roughly 3:53 p.m. ET. His agents told him the details, and he promptly accepted the contract.

A gaudy deal notwithstanding, Jones said he doesn’t feel any additional pressure to play like a franchise quarterback. Jones woke up Wednesday with the same annual salary, $40 million, as Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.

“I’ve always felt that responsibility. … I take that responsibility very seriously,” he said.

As well he should, considering Giants general manager Joe Schoen was asked if his team can win a Super Bowl with Jones under center.

“Yeah, yeah. Everyone’s goal is to win a Super Bowl,” Schoen said.

If the Giants didn’t reach agreement with Jones on a long-term contract, he would have been tagged. Instead, the Giants used the non-exclusive franchise tag on running back Saquon Barkley.

“It’s my first time going through (the negotiation process),” Jones said. “There’s certainly a lot of you know (and) there’s an emotional component to it, you know, as well. And you know we went up to the deadline as you know.”

Jones, 25, had a breakout season in 2022, playing a career-high 16 games. He didn’t miss any games because of injury for the first time in his four seasons. He sat out Week 18 to rest for the postseason.

Jones completed 67.2 percent of his passes for 3,205 yards and 15 touchdowns against five interceptions in 2022. He also rushed for 708 yards and seven touchdowns. He’s thrown for 11,603 yards and 60 TDs against 34 interceptions for his career. He’s 21-31-1 as the Giants’ starter since being selected No. 6 overall in the 2019 draft.

The Giants undoubtedly will aim to build a cohesive coach-quarterback tandem they haven’t seen since the long relationship between Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin ended after the 2015 season. Jones played under his third coach, Brian Daboll, in four seasons in 2022 and led New York to a 9-7-1 record and the divisional round of the NFC playoffs.

Last April, the Giants declined Jones’ fifth-year option worth $22.38 million for 2023.

Having Barkley return to the backfield under the $10.09 million franchise tag price only can help Daboll and Jones, although Barkley had hoped to strike a long-term deal. Negotiations took place last season and again in January, but weren’t fruitful.

“(Barkley) means a ton to me as a teammate and as a friend and he means a ton to us as a player,” Jones said.

Barkley congratulated Jones via Twitter on Tuesday. Schoen said Wednesday negotiations with Barkley will continue with the goal of reaching a long-term agreement palatable to either side.

“We love Saquon. He’s a good teammate, he’s a captain, he’s a hell of a player,” Schoen said.

–Field Level Media

Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones of the Giants in the second half. The Houston Texans at the New York Giants in a game played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on November 13, 2022.

The Houston Texans Face The New York Giants In A Game Played At Metlife Stadium In East Rutherford Nj On November 13 2022

Reports: Giants, Daniel Jones agree to 4-year, $160M deal

The New York Giants and quarterback Daniel Jones agreed to a four-year, $160 million deal with an additional $35 million in incentives, NFL Network reported Wednesday.

The agreement came just minutes before the 4 p.m. ET deadline for teams to use their franchise tag. It reportedly includes $82 million in guaranteed money.

If the Giants didn’t reach agreement with Jones on a long-term contract, he would have been tagged. Instead, multiple reports Wednesday indicate the Giants now will use the franchise tag on running back Saquon Barkley.

Jones, 25, had a breakout season in 2022, playing a career-high 16 games. He didn’t miss any games because of injury for the first time in his four seasons. He sat out Week 18 to rest for the postseason.

Jones completed 67.2 percent of his passes for 3,205 yards and 15 touchdowns against five interceptions in 2022. He also rushed for 708 yards and seven touchdowns. He’s thrown for 11,603 yards and 60 TDs against 34 interceptions for his career. He’s 21-31-1 as the Giants’ starter since being selected No. 6 overall in the 2019 draft.

The Giants undoubtedly will aim to build a cohesive coach-quarterback tandem they haven’t seen since the long relationship between Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin ended after the 2015 season. Jones played under his third coach, Brian Daboll, in four seasons in 2022 and led New York to a 9-7-1 record and the divisional round of the NFC playoffs.

Last April, the Giants declined Jones’ fifth-year option worth $22.38 million for 2023.

Having Barkley return to the backfield under the $10.09 million franchise tag price only can help Daboll and Jones, although Barkley had hoped to strike a long-term deal. Barkley played for $7.2 million in his fifth-year option last season and was looking for a sizable raise as part of a new contract.

Barkley rushed for a career-high 1,312 yards and added 10 rushing touchdowns last season after battling injuries the previous two seasons. He reportedly previously turned down a deal worth more than $12 million annually.

The Giants selected Barkley with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, sandwiched between quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold.

Barkley, 26, is a two-time All-Pro selection. In 60 NFL games, Barkley has carried the ball 954 yards for 4,249 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also has 247 receptions for 1,820 receiving yards and eight more TDs.

–Field Level Media

Jan 21, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs with the football against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Reps for Daniel Jones in NJ meeting with Giants

Agents for quarterback Daniel Jones are in New Jersey on Monday to meet with New York Giants brass in the hopes of striking an agreement on a new contract, NFL Network and Sports Illustrated reported.

The sides met in Indianapolis during the scouting combine but Jones’ reps left with no resolution in sight, according to a NFL Network report over the weekend.

The fact that Jones’ agents are now meeting with the Giants in person has fueled speculation that the sides are getting closer to a deal ahead of Tuesday’s franchise tag deadline.

If no deal is in place, the Giants are expected to tag Jones. The sides would then have until July 15 to reach a long-term deal.

Jones recently changed representation, switching from CAA to Athletes First in search of a lucrative long-term deal. Jones reportedly seeks a deal worth $45 million per year. The 2023 tag for QBs is $32.416 million.

The Giants declined Jones’ fifth-year option last year.

Jones, 25, had a breakout season in 2022, playing a career-high 16 games. He didn’t miss any games because of injury for the first time in his four seasons. He sat out Week 18 to rest for the postseason.

Jones completed 67.2 percent of his passes for 3,205 yards and 15 touchdowns against five interceptions in 2022. He also rushed for 708 yards and seven touchdowns. He’s thrown for 11,603 yards and 60 TDs against 34 INTs for his career. He’s 21-31-1 as the Giants’ starter since being selected No. 6 overall in the 2019 draft.

–Field Level Media

Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross talks with Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, October 18, 2020.

Dolphins Owner Stephen M Ross 06

Judge clears portion of Flores v. NFL discrimination suit to proceed

Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ discrimination lawsuit was cleared to move forward by a federal judge in New York on Wednesday.

U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni in Manhattan said Flores could advance systemic discrimination claims against the Denver Broncos, Houston Texans and New York Giants.

However, the claim against his former employer, the Miami Dolphins, and co-plaintiff claims from Ray Horton and Steve Wilks, are being funneled to arbitration. The ruling puts the matter directly into the hands of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who can elect to serve as arbitrator in the case or opt to appoint one.

Douglas Wigdor, Flores’ attorney, summarized the district court ruling as a win and a loss.

“We are pleased that Coach Flores’ class claims of systematic discrimination against the NFL and several teams will proceed in court and ultimately before a jury of his peers,” Wigdor said in a statement. “We are disappointed the court compelled arbitration of any claims before Mr. Goodell as he is obviously biased and unqualified to rule on these matters. We expect him to delegate those matters to a truly neutral arbitrator as a matter of fundamental fairness.”

Flores was 24-25 as head coach of the Dolphins, who fired him in what was later revealed as part of a plan by ownership to lure Sean Payton, then under contract with the New Orleans Saints, to Miami. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross was fined, suspended and the Dolphins lost their first-round pick in the 2023 draft as a result.

Flores’ lawsuit claims that from owners to general managers and beyond, “systemic racial discrimination in the hiring, retention and termination of NFL coaches and executives” is pervasive in the league.

The NFL said on Wednesday they look forward to moving ahead with arbitration as laid out in the collective bargaining agreement.

“We intend to move forward promptly with arbitrations as directed by the Court and to seek to dismiss the remaining claims,” the league said in a statement provided by spokesperson Brian McCarthy.

Historically, the NFL goes to great lengths to avoid the discovery phase permitted in a public court system jury trial.

The NFL argued in court that all of the matters should be limited to resolution by arbitration as part of a confidential review and hearings. The matters related to Wilks, and the Arizona Cardinals, and Horton’s claim against the Tennessee Titans, along with Flores’ dispute with the Dolphins all are covered by the terms of their employment contracts with those teams, Caproni ruled Wednesday.

But Flores can forge ahead seeking a jury trial against the other three teams.

“This case shines an unflattering spotlight on the employment practices of National Football League teams,” Caproni wrote in the ruling. “Although the clear majority of professional football players are Black, only a tiny percentage of coaches are Black.”

Flores spent last season as senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He interviewed with the Cardinals for their head-coaching vacancy but withdrew to become defensive coordinator of the Vikings in February.

Flores accuses the Broncos and Giants of inviting him for what he considered “sham” interviews. Flores revealed that he received a congratulatory text intended for Brian Daboll from the Giants that was sent by Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. But Flores hadn’t interviewed with the Giants yet. The team hired Daboll.

He also claims the Texans retaliated against him for filing the lawsuit.

–Field Level Media

Dec 18, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) and Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrate while leaving the field after their game against the Washington Commanders at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Giants believe they can retain both Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley

The New York Giants remain hopeful they can reach long-term agreements with both quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley this offseason.

Both players are slated to become free agents with the franchise tag possibly being utilized on one of them.

Giants general manager Joe Schoen said Tuesday that he was “cautiously optimistic” the team would get deals done with both Jones and Barkley.

Schoen reiterated that Jones will be on the 2023 roster. What isn’t clear is whether the team can reach a long-term deal with Jones or will use the franchise tag by the March 7 deadline.

Last April, the Giants declined Jones’ fifth-year option worth $22.3 million for 2023.

Then Jones enjoyed the best season of his four-year career by throwing just five interceptions and leading the Giants to the postseason. He passed for 15 touchdowns and set career highs for yardage (3,205), completion percentage (67.2), rushing yardage (708) and rushing scores (seven).

Jones is reportedly seeking a deal worth at least $45 million per season. Schoen didn’t have much to say about that report.

“I’m not going to get into that,” Schoen said at the NFL combine in Indianapolis. “I don’t want to get any divide on that stuff. We’re going to keep the negotiations between the two parties, and I think it’s best to do it that way.”

If the Giants use the franchise tag on Jones, his pay would be $32.4 million in 2023.

Meanwhile, Barkley played for $7.2 million in his fifth-year option last season and is looking for a sizable raise as part of a long-term deal.

Barkley rushed for a career-high 1,312 yards and added 10 rushing touchdowns last season after battling injuries the previous two seasons. He reportedly previously turned down a deal worth over $12 million annually.

Schoen feels the two sides have narrowed the difference in recent negotiations.

“We haven’t totally bridged (the difference). We’re a little bit closer,” Schoen said. “There’s still a gap. (Otherwise) would’ve done it. We’ll still work through that.”

The franchise tag for running backs is $10.09 million.

–Field Level Media

Sep 26, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) reacts during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Giants to release WR Kenny Golladay

Wide receiver Kenny Golladay was informed he will be released by the New York Giants on Tuesday, ending the failed free agency experiment after two seasons and 43 total receptions.

Golladay, 29, won’t be cut until the new league year begins on March 15, which saves the Giants nearly $7 million.

Golladay received a $4.5 million bonus in February and cost the Giants a total of $40.4 million for two seasons.

He posted six receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown in 12 games in 2022, the second season of a four-year, $72 million deal he signed when former general manager Dave Gettleman was building the roster in 2021.

But Golladay fought knee issues and never found a consistent role under coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen.

–Field Level Media