Thanks to multiple reports, we already knew the New York Giants tried to convince the New England Patriots to trade the No. 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Now, we know exactly what some of those talks sounded like.
The latest episode of “Hard Knocks” includes footage of Giants general manager Joe Schoen engaging in pre-draft talks with Patriots de facto GM Eliot Wolf about acquiring the No. 3 pick. Multiple reports indicated that the Giants had their eyes on UNC quarterback Drake Maye, who was eventually drafted by New England.
It’s a fascinating clip that reveals what the Giants were offering and what the Patriots were looking for in a potential trade.
Patriots-Giants Trade Talks Revealed in “Hard Knocks” Clip
The footage shows Schoen calling Wolf just a few hours before the start of the draft. He floats the idea of a trade, with Wolf responding by sharing how much it would take for New England to part with the pick.
“I think we’re pretty happy with sitting here, picking,” Wolf said. “… But again, if you offer us, like, 1, 2, 3 this year, 1, 2 next (year) — you know, I’m exaggerating.”
After Schoen probes a bit further, Wolf essentially shuts the door.
“We’re in this situation where we probably just sit and pick a quarterback,” Wolf said.
Hours before the Draft, the @Giants made a last-minute try to trade up with the Patriots 👀
New episode of #HardKnocks Offseason with the @Giants airs tonight at 9pm ET on @StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/YY63UG7pE3
— NFL (@NFL) July 23, 2024
This isn’t the first Patriots-related footage that has appeared in this season of “Hard Knocks,” which chronicles the Giants’ offseason.
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An earlier episode showed Schoen approaching Wolf during the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, with another showing Giants head coach Brian Daboll and other staffers quizzing Maye during the combine.
Behind-the-scenes look — from Hard Knocks — of #Patriots QB Drake Maye’s Combine meeting with Brian Daboll and the Giants. pic.twitter.com/NFPJJEy1C4
— Brian Hines (@iambrianhines) July 10, 2024
It’s fascinating stuff and should make Patriots fans feel better about New England drafting Maye at No. 3 overall.
Should Patriots Have Accepted Giants’ Trade Offer?
Well, it’s debatable.
On the one hand, the Patriots needed a franchise quarterback, and Maye has star potential. You never know when you’ll pick No. 3 again, and New England needed to capitalize on the opportunity.
On the other hand, the Patriots arguably aren’t ready for a quarterback and have other major needs, including left tackle and receiver.
They could’ve accepted the Giants’ offer — potentially two first-round picks, plus a 2024 second-rounder — and used the additional draft capital to plug multiple holes.
Furthermore, Maye is far from a no-doubt prospect. There are glaring warts in his game, including rough footwork and spotty decision-making. He’s your classic high-floor, low-ceiling talent.
Nevertheless, the Patriots didn’t trade the pick, and Maye is now in Foxboro. And though there’s a chance the 21-year-old red-shirts his rookie campaign, his head coach is leaving the door wide open for him to win the starting QB job.