General Manager Dave Gettleman Breaks Silence On Giants Offseason

On Monday morning, Giants’ General Manager Dave Gettleman broke his silence during a a conference call. Here are some of the things he had to say.

In regards to trading Odell Beckham Jr. to the Cleveland Browns:

“Talks were initiated by the Browns. John Dorsey knew we weren’t just going to give Odell away…there was considerable back and forth.”

“We didn’t sign Odell to trade him, but things change. Another team made an offer we couldn’t refuse.”

“I completely understand why people would debate the merits of this deal. This trade really won’t be able to be fully evaluated until we get further down the road. We did not enter this decision to trade Odell lightly.”

In regards to moving on from Landon Collins:

“The rumor that we were offered a first-round draft pick for Landon Collins isn’t even remotely accurate.”

“Jabrill Peppers is coming here to play football. He’s very bright…he doesn’t feel that pressure to replace Landon. He’s thrilled to be coming home. He’s really excited to be a Giant.”

In regards to keeping Eli Manning:

“This narrative that Eli’s overpaid and can’t play is a crock. … What he’s making, there really wasn’t a decision to make.”

“What I’m telling you, is if you turn around and take a look at what he’s making right now and look around the league and see what quarterbacks are making, if you’re in my shoes you’d say … the way he finished the season and what he is making, there really wasn’t a decision to make.”

On his plan moving forward:

“We have positions to address. Our plan is to address those positions, plain and simple. We’ll do that through whatever means necessary.”

“Very honestly, it’s not my responsibility to tell you guys what I’m doing. … That’s not my job. That’s not my responsibility. Trust me, we’ve got a plan. You’ve got to be patient. Everyone wants the answers now. Over time, you’ll see it.”

“Really and truly, you can win while you’re building.”

“We’re building. The object of this is to win as many games as possible every year. So we’re building. We were 3-13 when I took over. We were 5-11 last year , 12 of those games were a touchdown or less. We’re building. I don’t understand why that is a question.”

“So at the end of the day you have to say Gettleman is out of his mind or he knows what he’s talking about when he evaluates players. That is really what it is. That is really where it’s at. And I’m OK if you disagree with me. That’s fine.”