In case you missed it, the latest edition of “Hard Knocks” debuted on Tuesday night. It features the New York Giants’ offseason. The full name of the new version is “Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants.”
The series began in 2001, following a team through training camp and the preseason. “Hard Knocks” began an in-season version in 2021, and the latest edition follows an NFL franchise through the offseason for the first time.
“Hard Knocks” followed the Giants from January throughout the offseason as they made several critical decisions, such as letting star running back Saquon Barkley walk and making a huge trade for Carolina edge rusher Brian Burns. There was also the question of whether or not the Giants would draft a quarterback to replace Daniel Jones—one year after giving him a massive extension.
The Giants did let Barkley go but chose not to draft a quarterback. Instead, they gave Jones some help with the No. 6 overall pick — former LSU star wide receiver Malik Nabers.
It’s been an eventful offseason for the G-Men.
In the first episode of “Hard Knocks,” the show went behind the scenes as the Giants explored potential replacements for Barkley. One of those potential replacement was Austin Ekeler.
New York didn’t have the chance to sign Ekeler, as the Giants’ rival, Washington, prioritized Ekeler early in free agency, signing him to a two-year deal.
Others considered as possible replacements were Joe Mixon and Tony Pollard.
Giants were looking at Ekeler as a Saquon replacement. Interesting. (Via Hard Knocks) pic.twitter.com/qp6qmIiv0y
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) July 3, 2024
Ekeler figures to play a pivotal role in the Commanders’ new-look offense, led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. The 29-year-old Ekeler is arguably the top pass-catching back in the NFL – an area where Barkley also excelled – and has 69 career touchdowns and 440 receptions.
The Giants settled on 26-year-old Devin Singletary, a 2019 third-round pick of the Buffalo Bills. New York general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll were with the Bills when they drafted Singletary.
If you’re interested in watching “Hard Knocks,” a new episode debuts every Tuesday through July 30 at 9:00 p.m. ET on HBO. You can also stream “Hard Knocks” on Max.