BRIAN’S UPHILL BATTLE

Flores’ naming of Dolphins as defendant could offer arbitration protection to NFL, teams in discrimination lawsuit

when he reviews the Giants’ film, that he has conviction, and that he isn’t intimidated by making a tough call to clear cap space or creating a headline to deliver a message.

One former NFL player said if he were Saquon Barkley, he would internalize Schoen’s comments about possibly trading him as a constructive challenge. A trade would be best for Barkley, but if he stays a Giant for 2022, a positive perspective would be to treat it like a test that Barkley plans to pass with flying colors. Who knows, the player wondered aloud: Schoen might actually have been curious himself how Barkley would react to that rhetoric.

Expect new defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale to recruit some Baltimore Ravens free agents to help him install his defense in New York. That list could start with inside linebacker Josh Bynes, 33, an affordable but valuable veteran, according to sources. Other Ravens FAs include ILB/special teamer Chris Board, 26, safety DeShon Elliott, 24, and corner Anthony Averett, 27, of Woodbury, N.J.

It isn’t clear if Bills restricted free agent guard Ryan Bates, 25, will come available. But if he somehow did, Bates could be a good fit. The 2019 Eagles undrafted free agent developed well in Buffalo under new Giants O-line coach Bobby Johnson. He played 386 snaps in the Bills’ final five games last season, including playoff starts in the wild card and divisional rounds. Even if Bates re-signs in Buffalo, it’s instructive to note his trajectory in Buffalo as the Giants search the draft and free agency for similarly undervalued prospects to groom and grow.

One noteworthy development on each NFC East foe: the Dallas Cowboys are moving on from WR Amari Cooper via trade or release, per the Dallas

Morning News; the Washington Commanders are scouring the league for a major quarterback upgrade one year after recklessly settling for Ryan Fitzpatrick; and the Philadelphia Eagles say they’re committed to Jalen Hurts.

Kevin Abrams and Ed Triggs remain the Giants’ primary negotiators and contact points for agents as free agency nears, with Schoen involved but collaborating and delegating as he scouts, as well.

This is a good year for the Giants to hold nine picks, including seven in the top 150. There is good depth in this draft. Tackle Braxton Jones from Southern Utah State is the kind of mid-rounder the Giants could draft for value to develop into a swing tackle or future starter. Schoen prefers building through the draft and can create some cost control using these assets. Tankathon.com rates the Giants No. 2 in value of draft capital this spring behind only the Jets.