Joe Judge's Contract Details Suggest Giants Are Convinced He's Different

An historic NFL franchise in desperate need of direction, the New York Giants have hired Joe Judge, the special teams leader of the eternally-winning New England Patriots.

The Giants announced on Friday that Judge signed a five-year contract, as this side of New York no longer wants short-term solutions.

The New York Giants gave new head coach Joe Judge a five-year contract, per sources, with the hope that it will be those five and more. Giants don’t want anymore two and dones.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 10, 2020

After appearing to favor former Baylor University head coach Matt Rhule, the Giants were forced to pivot their interest to Judge, as Rhule accepted a lucrative seven-year contract, $70 million contract with the Carolina Panthers before New York was even able to interview him. The Giants were not willing to offer the relatively inexperienced coach that much money, turning down Rhule's offer to match the deal in New York.

However, the Judge hiring looks to be a calculated risk worth taking for a failing Giants squad. The 38-year-old's resume of working under Bill Belichick and Nick Saban appears promising on the surface, winning two NCAA National Championships at Alabama and three Super Bowls with New England.

A GREAT message from Joe Judge that applies to coaches at all levels: focus on what players do well and maximize that, don’t complain about weaknesses. Put them in positions to succeed. pic.twitter.com/L0CtL5sVoF
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 10, 2020

Judge's five-year contract shows the Giants see the young coach, along with Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley, as building blocks in making New York a dominating force again in the NFL. Along with these two, Judge's appointment could attract young, talented players, after Belichick waxed lyrically about his ability to teach every position and grow players.

The G-Men offense is looking formidable, and with the NFC East looking in flux more than ever next season, the Giants could be playoff bound if Judge's influence matches that of his mentors' praise.