Even with John Mara’s vote of confidence in October and even with the 2022 postseason appearance still tacked to the top of his résumé, a fourth year as the Giants’ general manager wasn’t guaranteed for Joe Schoen when another dud of a season ended on the first Sunday of January with Drew Lock — one of four quarterbacks to throw a pᴀss for Schoen’s Big Blue that year — guiding an offense that accounted for just 238 yards and one touchdown during a loss to the Eagles.

The results dipped and eventually cratered after Brian Daboll, Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley led them to the playoffs during the first year under Schoen, ultimately settling at 3-14 in 2024. Then, after Mara resisted the urge to start from scratch — again — by bringing back Schoen and Daboll for what’ll likely be a make-or-break season, Schoen vowed to avoid the “Hail Mary for self-preservation,” the type of move conducted out of desperation that could jeopardize the future of the franchise.

After the first two days of free agency, though, Schoen has certainly flirted with those last-second heaves. Think Matthew Stafford. Think the buzz around 41-year-old four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers. But among the moves he has executed, particularly signing cornerback Paulson Adebo and safety Jevon Holland, Schoen has operated like a general manager trying to correct his mistakes with a chance that many in his situation, with his record, wouldn’t get.

He didn’t ace the original decisions. But the Giants are about to find out if he can correct them all on the fly and save his tenure.