Articles

by Spiro Kasabian @nyspawtsguy_spi

Free Agent Attractions for New York Giants

The New York Giants are entering “year two” of the Gettleman/Shurmur project.  Year one consisted of several signings that help “build a new culture” while also bringing in veterans that knew the new systems being implemented.  That will not be the case in 2019.

The Giants should not be spending big this offseason, as that is what got them in trouble in the recent past.  However, there are a few key pieces that can be added on both sides of the ball that will allow them to compete and solidify the team going into the 2019 NFL Draft.  How much money the Giants will have to spend hinges on their decisions with Janoris Jenkins, Olivier Vernon, and Eli Manning. 

Here are some targets that the Giants should be looking at this offseason:

Secondary

Kareem Jackson – Veteran cornerback that is sorely needed in the secondary.  16 career interceptions.  Graded out well last year.  Could be a target if Janoris Jenkins is let go.

Tyrann Mathieu – Playmaker that could fit perfectly alongside Landon Collins and allow Collins to play “in-the-box”.  Still only 26 years old and in his prime.  Can do everything well at Free Safety.

Lamarcus Joyner – Another playmaker at FS that is still in his prime.  Swiss Army knife that can play in the slot as well as Centerfield next to Collins, allowing Collins to excel as an “in-the-box” Safety.

Reggie Nelson – 35-year-old veteran safety that shouldn’t command a ton of money.  Should be able to solidify the spot at FS next to Collins.  38 career Interceptions.

Edge/Linebackers

Dante Fowler Jr. – Sorely needed pass rusher that has 16 career sacks and is only 24.  Could look to sign on a short “prove-it” deal that can parlay him into a bigger deal in 2020.

Anthony Barr – Intriguing option as an Edge defender.  Has yet to live up to his draft status.  Coming off a very consistent season and can get after the passer.  Turns 27 in March.

Deone Bucannon – Coming off a down year, but familiar with Coach Bettcher from his days with the Cardinals.  Converted Safety turned LB that can cover a lot of ground.  Might come to Giants cheaply to rebuild value.  Turns 27 in August.

Defensive Line (Interior)

Danny Shelton – Nose Tackle that the Giants sorely missed last year after trading Snacks Harrison.  Always talented and still only 25.  The light might have turned “on” for him this year after winning a Super Bowl with the Pats.

Domata Peko – Veteran Run-Stopper at 34.  Can clog the middle against the run.  Shouldn’t cost that much.

Muhammad Wilkerson – Local product whose best years were with cross-town rival Jets.  Shouldn’t cost a bunch and has pass-rush upside from the middle of the defense, which the Giants have sorely lacked.

Offensive Line

Ja’Wuan James – One of the better Right Tackles on the market.  Turning 27 and coming off a solid year.  Can solidify the right side of the line.  Injury prone, so his price tag will not be high.

Daryl Williams – Natural fit for the Giants at Right Tackle.  Best RT on the market and was drafted by Gettleman in Carolina.  Would be a huge win, an upgrade for the Offensive Line.

Mike Iupati – If the Giants decide to part ways with Jamon Brown, Iupati would be a decent option.  Seems to fit the “Hog Mollie” mold Gettleman looks for.

Ramon Foster – Still an elite Guard at 33.  Will cost a lot but will give the Giants one of the best Guard duos in the league if signed.  May not make it out of Pittsburgh though.