Dave Gettleman surprised Giants fans by finally trading back. Take a look at what he got in return.
New York Giants General Manager Dave Gettleman noted before the draft that he tried to trade back in the NFL Draft in the past. The idea of trading down into the later part of the draft was doable but Giants fans weren't all in on the actual possibility with the clock running down.
And then the Chicago Bears called. GM Ryan Pace with urgency felt the need to make a big move in order to breathe life into his franchise. Here's what he did:
Giants receive: Bears 2021 first-round pick (No. 20 - WR Kadarius Toney), 2021 fifth-round pick, a 2022 first-round pick and a 2022 fourth-round pick.
Bears get: Giants first round pick (No. 11 - QB Justin Fields)
It's a blockbuster move for both teams, the Bears get their quarterback of the future, while the Giants get three extra picks and more flexibility for next year's draft. The deal became too good to pass up once other draft targets such as Alabama wide receivers Jaylen Waddle and Devonta Smith were picked ahead in the order.
Giants got the 20th pick, a fifth-rounder tonight, and the Bears' first-round and fourth-round picks in 2022. Gettleman's first-ever trade-down is a doozy.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) April 30, 2021
“It was too good of an opportunity,” Gettleman said of the trade. “It added too much value…we felt comfortable with who would be available in that slot. “It was very important to get the round pick next year” he said. “There’s a lot of unknowns in this year’s group.”
Dave Gettleman's first ever trade down is a home run
Just having two first-round picks next season is enough to make Giants fans salivate. The trajectory of this team has gradually gone up and with the addition of Toney, the offense already has a lot of speed and versatility at the wide receiver and tight end positions. The later-round picks are just the cherry on top of the cake to draft who ever is Best Player Available on the board.
What's important to note is that despite the win-now vibes of this organization, Gettleman looked towards the longterm in clinching this deal. Very often the self-interests of GMs come into play enough times to write a book, Gettleman at age 70 may not even get to make the picks next season with retirement always on the horizon.
Lastly, if the Bears are bad, not only is that a potential top 5 pick, but the 4th rounder they got essentially would be high 3rd rounder, perfect fodder for a trade up to get someone they like in a package for a late 2nd/early 3rd. The Giants haven’t done this since 1986 draft
— BigBlueVCR (@BigBlueVCR) April 30, 2021
It's also important to take into account the lack of information many GMs encountered due to the pandemic and opt-outs in this year's draft. Next season will see college football return closer to normal, meaning many of the best prospects will showcase their skills. And that's where the trade comes in with the Giants - who are already in a good position to contend for the NFC East crown - to set themselves up well with more young talent at key positions.
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