The New York Giants began their voluntary offseason workout program on Monday and head coach Brian Daboll praised the “great turnout.”
There were two notable and very public absences, however. As expected, neither running back Saquon Barkley nor defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence were present in East Rutherford.
Barkley has yet to sign his franchise tender and is not permitted inside the building. Lawrence, on the other hand, is sitting out due to his contract.
“It’s April 17. We’ve got a long way to go here,” Daboll said, not expressing any concern over the absences of two team captains. “We’ll just take it day by day.”
Daboll also revealed that he’s been in contact with both Barkley and Lawrence in recent weeks, but wouldn’t divulge details of their conversation. Instead, he says, they will remain private.
“I’ve talked to both of those players. I’ll leave those conversations — as I always do — private,” he said.
But the absence of two star players was enough to spark an unplanned conversation. Daboll addressed the team about it on Monday morning.
Giants head coach Brian Daboll says he has spoken to both Saquon Barkley and Dexter Lawrence but will keep those conversations private. He indicates he did address their absence with the team but won't divulge specifics. Sticking to the script.
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) April 17, 2023
The whole notion that the Giants are dealing with the “disease of me” over the contract given to quarterback Daniel Jones also arose. Daboll says those concerns have been addressed with players “privately.”
