Call this “Saquon Barkley, Endgame.’’
The final steps that led Barkley to depart the Giants after six seasons for greener pastures in Philadelphia was the compelling focus in Episode 3 of “Hard Knocks,’’ aired Tuesday night on HBO.
Tucked into this peek behind the curtain was a resounding message to Giants fans: Joe Schoen, the general manager, makes the final call on football matters, even if that decision rankles his boss, co-owner John Mara.
With NFL free agency beckoning, the episode opens up with Schoen calling Barkley’s agent, Ed Berry, asking, “In order to get Saquon, what would we have to do? There’s no sense going back and forth.’’
Schoen listens and then repeats these numbers: $12.5 million yearly average on a three-year deal and $25 million in guaranteed money.
“If I offered him [those numbers,] he’d be a Giant?’’ Schoen says. “Alright, I’ll give you a call back. This may be above me on Saquon.’’
Schoen then calls Mara and says, “I told the agent ‘If we make that deal, he’s gonna be a Giant?’ and he’s like ‘Well …’ He hemmed and hawed, he’s like ‘I’m not gonna say that.’ ’’
Next, coach Brian Daboll sits down in Schoen’s office and they discuss a variety of free agents.
Schoen says, “I think the priority is the offensive line’’ and Daboll agrees. They discuss guards Jon Runyan and Robert Hunt and tackle/guard Jermaine Eluemunor.
Daboll confirms to Schoen that bringing back Tyrod Taylor as the backup quarterback is his preference.
Schoen mentions that he believes Gardner Minshew will cost between $10 to $20 million and that Drew Lock and Sam Darnold can be had for $4 million.
“I would take Tyrod over all those guys,’’ Daboll said.
Schoen puts out there at running back that Devin Singletary will likely cost $5 million a year and D’Andre Swift will cost $6 million per year.
Daboll signs off on Singletary, a player he and Schoen know from their time in Buffalo.
Mara arrives in Schoen’s office, is briefed on the free-agent plans and wants to know the latest on Barkley.
Schoen looks at his phone and says, “I just got a text that Chicago’s driving the price up and Philly’s out — I don’t know if that’s true or not.’’
Mara: “I’ll have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philly, I’ll tell you that.
“As I’ve told you, I’ve been around enough players but he’s the most popular player we have — by far.’’
Mara’s wishes are clear. He wants Barkley back.
The Giants hear that the Jets are interested in two of their prime offensive line targets, Runyan and Eluemunor, with the Jets offering Runyan $9 million per year.
The Giants increased their offer to $10 million per year to get him.
Hunt’s price is too high and the Giants move from $6 million a year to $7 million to secure Eluemunor.
Schoen calls Berry and repeats the contact numbers previously discussed: $12.5 million average and $25 million guaranteed.
Schoen listens to what Berry says and responds with “North of that? We’re not gonna go there. We’re out.’’
Before hanging up, Schoen — no doubt remembering what Mara told him about Barkley ending up with the Eagles — asks Berry, “Is it in the division? I’m trying to prepare myself mentally for what’s going to happen, that’s all.’’
In the next scene, Mara walks into Schoen’s office and Chris Rossetti, the director of pro scouting, reads Barkley’s contract details from the Eagles.
It is a three-year deal for $37.75 million, with $26 million guaranteed.
There is no tantrum from the owner.
“Alright,’’ Mara says, and heads to the door.
Schoen, seated behind his desk, says, “We’re gonna be fine.’’
first half last season. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Mara smiles. “I think we will be too,’’ he says and walks out.
The other marquee free agent, safety Xavier McKinney, was glossed over in the episode, with only a scant few mentions. McKinney left for a four-year, $68 million deal from the Packers.
Schoen, hearing the contract over the phone, said “Oh my God, 17 [million] a year, huh? That makes him the second highest-paid safety in the league.’’ Schoen sounded incredulous about this.
The completion of the trade with the Panthers for edge rusher Brian Burns included Schoen telling new defensive coordinator Shane Bowen “that’s probably all you’re getting,’’ alluding to how much money (five years, $141 million) it was going to take to sign Burns.
Schoen is seen finalizing the deal on the phone with Dan Morgan, the Panthers’ general manager and one of Schoen’s closest friends in the league.
“Why do we need to add a seventh [-round pick], Dan?’’ Schoen asks before the parameters of the trade were completed — without the inclusion of that seventh-round pick.
After what Schoen termed a “stressful’’ first day of free agency, the Giants on Day 2 learned that Taylor was gone, signing with the Jets on a two-year deal worth up to $18 million. “The injuries, the price-point, we stretched to $7 million [per year] to get him here,’’ Schoen tells Mara about losing Taylor.
The Giants pivot to Lock for $5 million. Win some, lose some.
