The New York Giants’ general manager, Joe Schoen, has received a harsh assessment from the players in the latest NFL Players Association report card. In a survey involving 1,759 players league-wide, Schoen was awarded a D+, marking the lowest grade given to any general manager across all 32 teams.
This places him at the very bottom, with no other executive receiving anything below a C.
The report, which ESPN obtained and detailed, covers various aspects of team operations, including ownership, facilities, travel, and now, for the first time, evaluations of general managers. While most GMs earned at least a C, the next lowest marks went to Cincinnati’s Duke Tobin and Cleveland’s Andrew Berry, both receiving flat Cs.
Schoen stands alone in the D+ category, highlighting a clear disparity in player perception.
This inaugural inclusion of GM grades makes the result particularly stinging for Schoen and the Giants organization. Player feedback carries significant weight, as it comes directly from those in the locker room who experience the outcomes of front-office decisions daily. The low score suggests widespread dissatisfaction with aspects of roster construction, contract handling, or overall trust in leadership.
The Giants as a franchise ranked 25th overall in the survey, reflecting broader frustrations. MetLife Stadium’s home game field received an F-, a notorious issue tied to turf quality that has drawn complaints from players for years. The locker room earned a D, and former defensive coordinator Shane Bowen also scored a D+ in his category.
Head coach Brian Daboll (prior to his departure) and Mike Kafka managed only a C combined. These middling or poor marks in multiple areas paint a picture of an organization struggling to meet player expectations on several fronts. Ownership, however, received a B, indicating some separation between front-office performance and higher-level support.
Schoen’s retention after the coaching change raised eyebrows among fans and observers. The decision emphasized continuity in roster building, with the belief that the GM deserved time to work with new leadership. Yet the players’ grades appear to contradict that narrative, signaling a lack of confidence in the current direction under Schoen.
Now entering what could be a pivotal phase, Schoen collaborates with new head coach John Harbaugh, a respected figure expected to bring stability and success. The challenge lies in addressing the concerns voiced through this anonymous survey while rebuilding credibility among the roster.
The D+ serves as a stark performance review, one that underscores the pressure on Schoen to deliver improvements. Whether this feedback prompts meaningful adjustments in strategy, personnel decisions, or communication remains to be seen. For Giants supporters, it reinforces existing skepticism but also offers a shared perspective with the players themselves.
In a league where player buy-in is crucial, such a low evaluation cannot be ignored. It spotlights the need for Schoen to prove his value through results on the field and better alignment with the team. The coming months and seasons will determine if this embarrassment motivates change or becomes another chapter in the franchise’s ongoing struggles.
Ultimately, the report card highlights a disconnect that Giants fans have long felt. With Schoen back in place for another opportunity, the path forward hinges on translating criticism into progress and restoring faith among both players and the fanbase.
