The New York Giants season has been the football equivalent of a bad sitcom—one blunder after another, leaving fans cringing and wondering how it all went so wrong. In 2024, they let two of their biggest talents walk out the door. And this decision has come back to haunt them in the worst way. With just three wins this season, it feels like Brian Daboll’s Giants are stuck in their version of Groundhog Day, making the same mistakes over and over again. Enter Michael Strahan, a man who’s never been shy about calling it like it is. But what’s the mistake here?

In 2024, the Giants let Saquon Barkley walk and brought in Devin Singletary instead—a move that’s been talked about a lot. But letting go of safety Xavier McKinney? That’s looking like their worst call yet. The Alabama alum is having a stellar season with the Packers, who have secured a playoff spot. On this not-so-wise move by John Mara, Michael Strahan did not hold back, saying, “That’s going to be the first battle. Xavier McKinney is the co-leader and takeaway of the NFL. Number two in the interceptions in the NFL. Thank you, New York Giants, because you let him go, you let Barkley go. Well done.” That’s true. Letting go of players like Barkley and McKinney could hurt you in the long run. 

In the 2023 season, McKinney was one of just two defenders to play every single snap for their team. But even after that, John Mara’s squad let him hit free agency. The Packers didn’t waste any time and scooped him up for a massive $67 million. And Xavier? He’s been living up to the hype. The Alabama alum has so far recorded 60 solo tackles. As Strahan mentioned, he holds the second spot in the NFL interception rankings. Xavier has also gained 150+ yards so far.

Now, as their terrible decisions haunt them, the Pats have set their sights on Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. But will Daboll let that happen?

Brian Daboll is not letting Shane Bowen go to the Pats

Finally, with the Pats hiring Mike Vrabel, the wait for “Who will they choose?” is over. Wasn’t everyone expecting this? Anyway, as soon as Vrabel was onboard, he wasted no time and started looking for people to join his crew. Rumors quickly spread that he might be eyeing Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen to come along for the ride. The Pats can request an interview with Bowen, and while the Giants can reject it, it’s still a possibility. Bowen’s defense has come under fire this season after the Giants’ defense crumbled like a house of cards in a storm. You’d think this might mean Bowen’s time in New York is up. 

But Brian Daboll is not letting Bowen go so easily. Instead, he’s sticking with him for another season. It’s a bold move and a risky gamble. Daboll’s putting his trust in Bowen to turn things around for the Giants in the 2025 season. As opined by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, “To be clearer on #Giants DC Shane Bowen: My understanding is Brian Daboll is moving forward with him as his coordinator. My best read on it as of now is he remains in that role in East Rutherford in 2025.” Well, Shane is lucky, if that’s the case.

In a season where every team that’s struggled has fired their coaches without a second thought, it’s a rare thing. If the Giants are sticking with him, that’s a big move. But hey, this is the NFL. You can never predict what’s going to happen. The moment you start placing bets on something, things flip faster than a Fast & Furious car chase. So yeah, better not place any bets in the first place.