Did we sign Stewart knowing that he'd mentor Barkley?

a couple weeks later, it was all over the place.

don't believe so. At the time we signed Stewart it appeared that Barkley had a strong chance of going 1/1.

of you're trying to create a certain type of locker room in terms of culture and leadership. So if DG thinks Stewart can add to the team in skill, leadership as a good locker room guy now, then this signing makes sense.

presence to not only provide some stability, but also some mentoring to a largely inexperienced RB room. Had they not drafted Barkley, it was likely they would have probably picked up an RB in a later round, so that was probably part of the consideration.

But there was no guarantee we would have a shot at Barkley and it may not have just been for Barkley but rather the people we have. However, you don't sign a RB to be a mentor. There are not enough roster spots. The player still has to be able to produce.

In comment 13957203 Mike from Ohio said:

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presence to not only provide some stability, but also some mentoring to a largely inexperienced RB room. Had they not drafted Barkley, it was likely they would have probably picked up an RB in a later round, so that was probably part of the consideration.

Good pt. Even without Barkley, there is a lot of youth and inexperience in the room.

for quite a while. And had a strong impression that Cleveland wasnt going to mess around and would take the Qb #1 (v.s risking losing their top target at Qb @4)

Stewart was likely brought in half knowing he'd be the perfect compliment to Barkley on and off the field.

but it's a lot of money to dedicate to a mentor for a running back, particularly since the Giants are so tight to the cap. I think they brought him in for locker room presence, along with Michael Thomas - with the hopes they can be productive. I think his potential mentoring to Barkley is a bonus. I don't think it's a bad situation either way. To me, I'm curious to see how Gallman and Perkins fit in now.

but unlikely the ONLY reason.

I doubt DG operates as carelessly as signing player A for the sole purpose of mentoring Player B, when you're not in a position to guarantee player B will be available for you to draft.

Rather, Stewart is probably a guy Gettleman really learned to like while in Carolina and with Shula brought on to the staff (many think to coordinate the run game), Stewart can be a coach on the field, contribute short yardage/goal line and provide another solid veteran for a locker room which was shit last season and if they were fortunate enough to get Barkley. help mentor him.

I'm not suggesting that Stewart is SOLELY here to mentor. Obviously he has to add something to the team on the field.

The Giants were not certain they were getting Barkley at #2, and there's little reason to believe that they completed their prospect analysis in mid-March (when Stewart was signed).

At least, we should hope they didn't.

In comment 13957213 Mellowmood92 said:

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but it's a lot of money to dedicate to a mentor for a running back, particularly since the Giants are so tight to the cap. I think they brought him in for locker room presence, along with Michael Thomas - with the hopes they can be productive. I think his potential mentoring to Barkley is a bonus. I don't think it's a bad situation either way. To me, I'm curious to see how Gallman and Perkins fit in now.

Perkins may be they odd man out. Gallman showed more in one year than Perkins has in 2 years. Stewart will get short yardage and be a mentor to Bark-man.

In comment 13957203 Mike from Ohio said:

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presence to not only provide some stability, but also some mentoring to a largely inexperienced RB room. Had they not drafted Barkley, it was likely they would have probably picked up an RB in a later round, so that was probably part of the consideration.

+1. Not so much to mentor Barkley specifically, but to mentor any RB they drafted. I'm guessing had the Browns gone Barkley we were still looking at RB relatively high.

In comment 13957231 jcn56 said:

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In comment 13957203 Mike from Ohio said: Quote: presence to not only provide some stability, but also some mentoring to a largely inexperienced RB room. Had they not drafted Barkley, it was likely they would have probably picked up an RB in a later round, so that was probably part of the consideration. +1. Not so much to mentor Barkley specifically, but to mentor any RB they drafted. I'm guessing had the Browns gone Barkley we were still looking at RB relatively high.

This

He also does the one thing very well that Barkley has been knocked on, and thats running between the tackles.

In comment 13957201 DanMetroMan said:

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don't believe so. At the time we signed Stewart it appeared that Barkley had a strong chance of going 1/1.

I disagree. Only fans felt Cleveland would go Barkley #1 and risk missing out on their top QB.

Just like when the Giants signed Warner to mentor Eli. It didn't work, Eli was like a caged animal on the sideline, Warner was trying to resurrect his career (and grew bitter when it didn't work out).

Stewart will be out there busting his balls, trying to keep Barkley on the bench - it's competition (if he gives him a few pointers, that's a plus)

(Difference between Stewart and Warner - Warner is an A**).

In comment 13957242 giants#1 said:

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In comment 13957201 DanMetroMan said: Quote: don't believe so. At the time we signed Stewart it appeared that Barkley had a strong chance of going 1/1. I disagree. Only fans felt Cleveland would go Barkley #1 and risk missing out on their top QB.

So you believe the Giants paid what they did for Stewart to mentor a guy they weren't sure they would even have a chance to draft? Their own GM said this

"“We need players. You guys have seen our team. Let's be very honest,” Jackson said Tuesday in Orlando. "We need guys that come in and make a difference, and Barkley is definitely one of them. He'll be in the discussions.”

mentor Stewart.

In comment 13957246 Manny in CA said:

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Just like when the Giants signed Warner to mentor Eli. It didn't work, Eli was like a caged animal on the sideline, Warner was trying to resurrect his career (and grew bitter when it didn't work out). Stewart will be out there busting his balls, trying to keep Barkley on the bench - it's competition (if he gives him a few pointers, that's a plus) (Difference between Stewart and Warner - Warner is an A**).

Warner is probably the nicest guy in the NFL. Jonathan Stewart is the complete opposite. One of the biggest assholes in the entire NFL.

The mentoring thing is certainly not wishful thinking. It happens all the time. Whether it's players that play the same position or guys who play different positions. A lot of vets will take young guys under their wings.

In comment 13957246 Manny in CA said:

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Stewart will be out there busting his balls, trying to keep Barkley on the bench - it's competition (if he gives him a few pointers, that's a plus)

I think this is mostly right. Plus, Barkley is a very high character guy, so I don't think he's going to be in need of any mentoring.

Now if it was Guice? Then I could see the value of Stewart in that mentor role...

In comment 13957257 madgiantscow009 said:

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mentor Stewart.

Barkley was drafted to grace Stewart with The Hand of God. FACT.

I don't think this can be discounted.

In comment 13957209 Keith said:

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In comment 13957203 Mike from Ohio said: Quote: presence to not only provide some stability, but also some mentoring to a largely inexperienced RB room. Had they not drafted Barkley, it was likely they would have probably picked up an RB in a later round, so that was probably part of the consideration. Good pt. Even without Barkley, there is a lot of youth and inexperience in the room.

I think if you combine the point made here and the distinct possibility we would draft Barkley with the 2nd pick in the draft, DG going after Stewart was a no brainer. Stewarts signing really was a multi-tool that many here were opposed to.

To bring him in.
A 3rd and 1 guy, blocks, good character,a veteran presence.
At #2, there was no guarantee SB would be there, but quite likely with Brown's having ,5 qbs to chose from.
If Giants get SB, mentor and running mate; if not they still have their veteran and 3rd down guy.

onto this team because the current crop of veterans clearly do not do their job keeping folks in line in the locker-room and sideline.

He most certainly didn't bring in Stewart for his production which has steadily dipped in each of the last several years whereas he is now just an awful use in most run plays. At least I hope he didn't. And god forbid Barkley gets hurt, but if he does I want Gallman in there.

Yes, I know all about how Parcells, BB and some others bring in "their guys" when they set up shop to develop the culture they want.

But this seems like nothing more than a poor use of resources to give a friend a job...

In comment 13957288 Jimmy Googs said:

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But this seems like nothing more than a poor use of resources to give a friend a job...

Wouldn't have thought it could happen, but I think you've outdone yourself here. Kudos?

didn't do anything. WE are not Gettleman and the Giants.

it was a bad signing.

In comment 13957289 Mad Mike said:

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In comment 13957288 Jimmy Googs said: Quote: But this seems like nothing more than a poor use of resources to give a friend a job... Wouldn't have thought it could happen, but I think you've outdone yourself here. Kudos?

and yet again, mad mike just kills it with another value-add post...its almost like you corner the market

I have been a Giant fan since I was a little kid. I hated the eagles ever since Chuck Badnarik put that violent close to out of bounds hit on Frank Gifford. Last season, "WE" were 3-13 and you know what? I had a crappy year. So yes, I identify with my teams: Yankees and Giants, and how they perform affects me. I would think a lot of us at BBI feel the same way. How do yo think Dodger fans felt all those years back losing World Series to the yankees? How do you think Cubs and Sox fans felt thru years of disappointment. So when someone questions the use of the "WE" word that bothers me. In my opinion that is a petty thing to do.

I think Stewart was brought in for goal line and 3 rd and short

In comment 13957324 joeinpa said:

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I think Stewart was brought in for goal line and 3 rd and short

I'm fairly certain Stewart wasn't even the goal line back in Carolina. They had Mike Tolbert for that.

In comment 13957316 Ira said:

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it was a bad signing.

Is that so? Months before training camp even opens and you already know this.

You guys are something else. I’d be embarrassed for you because of of your incredible stupidity but if you aren’t embarrassed for yourselves....

In comment 13957319 Jimmy Googs said:

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and yet again, mad mike just kills it with another value-add post...its almost like you corner the market

Tough to corner it - you make an awfully big market.

you nail it...

I see his value as insurance if this oline struggles to gel.

He’ll bail out some plays when he decks a few defenders.

In comment 13957259 Big Rick in FL said:

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In comment 13957246 Manny in CA said: Quote: Warner is probably the nicest guy in the NFL. Jonathan Stewart is the complete opposite. One of the biggest assholes in the entire NFL. The mentoring thing is certainly not wishful thinking. It happens all the time. Whether it's players that play the same position or guys who play different positions. A lot of vets will take young guys under their wings.

Rick can you give us some "for instance" on Stewart being an asshole? Ive gotten the impression that Warner is anything but nice unless he is getting is way. Seems unrepentently bitter about Eli, rarely expounds on anything he may have done well...just seems like a passive-aggressive, disingenuous shit.

Ive never once heard a thing about JS being the same way.

Thanks in advance.

In comment 13957328 Ten Ton Hammer said:

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In comment 13957324 joeinpa said: Quote: I think Stewart was brought in for goal line and 3 rd and short I'm fairly certain Stewart wasn't even the goal line back in Carolina. They had Mike Tolbert for that.

I think that is more JS was a victim of riches in that dept. Tolbert is right up there with the very best in short yardage. His differentiator is that he can be good receiver in addition to being a load out of thw backfield.

At the time of his signing...

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Good... Dan in the Springs : 3/14/2018 2:20 pm : link need him to teach Saquon how to have a long, healthy, productive career. Getting a contract after 11 years with the Giants would be an ideal for both NYG and SB.

Seems like an obvious connection to make - ( New Window )

I don’t like the Stewart signing - even if he is a “mentor” - the cost does not justify the signing. He isn’t more than a vet min player at this point.

The one FA move I hated.

Rounds 1-3. Stewart’s role was pretty clear.

Be prepared to be the lead back for the first half of the season, and be a spot player for the second half.

With Barkley in place, that schedule may be compressed.

In comment 13957426 Ivan15 said:

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Rounds 1-3. Stewart’s role was pretty clear. Be prepared to be the lead back for the first half of the season, and be a spot player for the second half. With Barkley in place, that schedule may be compressed.

Very similar to the Reuben Droughns signing in 07 after Tiki left. Jacobs was a feature back, but RD was veteran insurance for the most part.

In case Clev took Barkley # 1 or some team made Giants a huge offer for their pick

can block, run and catch together in the backfield creates a lot of options for the offense. Especially if one can take to the house from anyplace on the field if you get him the ball in space. Cannot wait to see it in action.

A long time veteran RB

Who better to mentor Barkely then an old high odometer good citizen versatile big stout RB like Stewart..

I think darkwa > Stewart as a player , but maybe Stewart >>> Darkwa for making Barkely a HOFer and ROY

If Barkley was picked by the Browns, it would have been someone else (probably in the second round). Can we say he was signed specifically to mentor Barley? No, but we can say he was probably signed to mentor the Giants young RBs.

I know, but he handled that role for them in the past.

But I m just guessing that would be his role with the Giants based on what I ve heard.

Maybe they just brought him in because he s been a good player and they think he s got something left

In comment 13957289 Mad Mike said:

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In comment 13957288 Jimmy Googs said: Quote: But this seems like nothing more than a poor use of resources to give a friend a job... Wouldn't have thought it could happen, but I think you've outdone yourself here. Kudos?

You should talk? Kudos?

Link - ( New Window )

and less about mentoring SB. Lack of leadership has been a huge problem in recent seasons.

In comment 13957660 JonC said:

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and less about mentoring SB. Lack of leadership has been a huge problem in recent seasons.

Agree, but don't you think there's some anticipated mentorship in terms of how to be a physical runner and still have demand for your services in your 11th season?

but I don't know Stewart has a ton left, or much he'll actually look to help SB grow.

that was foremost in his signing he believes he can still play at a high level said that in the post draft press conference
he was putting a fallback option in place incase they didnt get barkley cleveland stunned everyone taking mayfield they are unpredictable they could easily have taken barkley at 1 and probably got mayfield at 4,depends what the jets did at 3 i think with darnold on the board they would have taken him anyway but who knows (had they done that i think chubb could have been plan b maybe darnold but i got the impression they werent overly impressed with any of the QB's)

it was probably his plan to have him mentor barkley as well stewart knows he is on his last days so barkley isnt a threat to him either he basically replaced darkwa with stewart. gallman and perkins will still get some reps as did the 2nd and 3rd RB's with shurmur in minnesota

i think they like stewart for the goalline plays too where they may not want to risk the rookie early either to injury or fumbles but fantasy players will hate that if he does