Every year, about a quarter of the league finds themselves in the unenviable position of sitting atop the draft with few reasons for optimism. Most of the time, a bad bet at the sport's most important position turned things upside down. Elsewhere, it might be injuries or coaching dysfunction that sends a team to the cellar.
At 2-8, the New York Giants are firmly on track to be one of the worst teams in the sport. Their fans have moved onto the 2025 NFL Draft, but in the meantime, decisions must be made about the long-term future of the franchise.
At some point, a rebuilding Giants team must show the fruits of its labor. After three drafts, two disastrous seasons, and one horrible quarterback contract, it's fair to suggest that general manager Joe Schoen shouldn't be the one in charge of ushering in the next era of New York football.
The general manager spoke on Tuesday about whether he expects to be the one calling the shots come April.
"Yes," Schoen said.
His confidence isn't unfounded. Recently, owner John Mara backed both Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll despite the team's struggles, citing continuity and New York's impressive ability to churn through high-level decision-makers.
While a second-half collapse - and a European loss to the Carolina Panthers - might land Daboll his pink slip, it's possible Schoen doesn't join him on the way out. However, the more likely option does seem to be that both will be back in 2025.
"I communicate with ownership all the time," Schoen said. "I know Dabs talks about that continuously each time these questions come up. And we have a really good relationship with ownership, and we communicate constantly with them. And there's confidence in the plan and where we're heading."
Related: Schoen's One-Word Answer on Giants' Quarterback Decisions
From there, the Giants' fate hinges on one decision. After quarterback Daniel Jones was rewarded with a four-year contract extension after winning a playoff game, the chance for New York to pick and develop a new rookie quarterback disappeared. Jones may never play a snap in a Giants uniform again. Sticking with Schoen and Daboll means letting them pick the next franchise quarterback.
It's debatable whether or not that opportunity is deserved. For one, Jones has been horrible, sinking the team's chances from the jump and making evaluations of other positions difficult. Mara wanted Jones around, he got his wish, and he paid for it. But Schoen's first two drafts haven't produced many viable starters, much less starpower, and it's taken several years to field an adequate supporting cast for any quarterback.
Wherever the Giants decide to pivot will be controversial. But Schoen seems confident in his chances to return, meaning he has the faith of the one man powerful enough to fire him. If Mara is indeed set on stability, then Schoen will be filling out New York's next draft card, for better or worse.