The New York Giants’ recent personnel decisions continue to haunt the franchise.
The organization has already faced criticism for letting franchise favorite Saquon Barkley walk in free agency, a drama that played out on HBO’s “Hard Knocks.” Giants general manager Joe Schoen infamously declared he didn’t want his $40 million quarterback, Daniel Jones — whom he released during the 2024 season — to hand off to a $12 million running back.
Giants owner John Mara had said he would have sleepless nights if Barkley went to the Philadelphia Eagles. Those nightmares became reality as Barkley, in his first season with Philadelphia, rushed for over 2,000 yards, scored 15 total touchdowns, earned MVP finalist honors, and helped lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl.
Now, another personnel misstep has come to light.
All-Pro reveals New York Giants were supposed to draft him
Dallas Cowboys All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons revealed the Giants had promised to draft him in 2021 — only to trade away their pick.
“They lied to me. People don’t know this. They told me if I fell to 11 that they were going to pick me,” Parsons said in a recent interview.
Instead of selecting Parsons, the Giants traded the 11th overall pick to the Chicago Bears for the 20th and 164th overall picks in 2021, plus first-round and fourth-round picks in 2022. The Bears selected quarterback Justin Fields, while the Cowboys grabbed Parsons at No. 12. Then-Giants GM Dave Gettleman used the 20th pick on wide receiver Kadarius Toney, who lasted less than two seasons with the team.
“That’s why I punish the Giants every time. It’s personal with them,” Parsons said.
Parsons has indeed made the Giants pay for their decision. In eight career games against New York, he has recorded 4.5 sacks, 14 tackles, six tackles for loss, and 13 quarterback hits.
