New York Giants GM Joe Schoen’s handling of cornerback Nick McCloud has fans in splits, but not in a good way. Word’s out that Schoen might’ve crossed a line with how he treated McCloud, and the reactions are coming in hot.
Fans are calling it a “fireable offense” and are not exactly impressed with the optics.
Joe Schoen Faces Backlash Over Nick McCloud’s Release Drama
Giants GM Schoen is under fire after details emerged about his handling of CB McCloud’s release.
The drama started before the Week 4 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys when Schoen reportedly asked McCloud to take a pay cut from his one-year, $2.98 million deal. McCloud wanted to stay on his current contract, but Schoen was insistent.
Sources reveal Schoen’s blunt words to McCloud’s representatives: “Don’t pay October’s rent, all right? As soon as I can replace him, I’m going to replace him.” The GM reportedly hung up the phone afterward.
Fans quickly labeled the situation a “fireable offense,” calling out Schoen for his lack of respect toward players.
fireable offense, treat your players right
— Dan (@danhasaburner) January 10, 2025
“Not a good look,” one fan remarked, and many pointed out that such treatment could harm the Giants’ reputation around the league.
Not a good look
— Purple Phoenix (@_PurplePhoenix) January 10, 2025
Still, some fans weren’t completely upset by the tough approach. “Am I the only one who doesn’t understand what the big deal is?” one asked, noting how cuts happen often in the NFL.
Another fan noted the hard edge needed to be a successful GM: “I’m torn. As a human being it’s scummy. But I also think to become a good GM (not saying he is yet) there has to be a degree of scumminess to you. You can’t let personal feelings cloud your judgement if you’re actually trying to build a team. You do have to feel the room…”
Regardless of where fans stand, the fallout from the McCloud situation is far from over.
Giants coach Brian Daboll and GM Schoen will return for the 2025 season, but this controversy has fans wondering how long that will last if the negative reactions keep piling up.
Giants Stick with Brian Daboll, Schoen Despite Disastrous Season
Well, it’s official: the Giants are running it back in 2025 with head coach Daboll and GM Schoen, despite their 3-14 dumpster fire of a season in 2024.
After watching Saquon Barkley rack up 2,000 yards (and some serious MVP buzz) with the Philadelphia Eagles, owner John Mara is holding tight to his guys. “Patience,” he says, while hoping Daboll’s early success wasn’t a one-off.
In Daboll’s first year, the Giants were playoff-bound with a Wild Card win and Coach of the Year honors. Since then? Not so much. Daniel Jones never took off, and Schoen’s moves haven’t exactly lit a fire. But, hey, the Giants aren’t keen on the whole “hire-fire-repeat” thing, so here we are.
Time to see if Daboll and Schoen can finally make something stick.