By Michael Stewart/@TheTruthNYG
The New York Giants and GM Joe Schoen had limited cap space with the start of free agency and no one expected the Giants to wine and dine any of the top tier free agents. In total, Schoen signed nine players to join the Giants in 2022 or beyond and now that the dust has settled, let’s take a look at each player with a final grade:
- Mark Glowinski (OG)-Glowinski is by far the best free agent signing for the Giants as he is certainly an upgrade from last year’s starter Will Hernandez. Glowinski brings grit, professionalism and talent to a much-needed offensive line that only had Andrew Thomas performing well in 2021. GRADE B+
- Tyrod Taylor (QB)-Taylor was not signed to take the starting job away from Daniel Jones, he was brought in as insurance should Jones falter or find himself on the injury list in 2022. Last season, Giant fans all saw what happened when Jones went down for the year and the team relied on Mike Glennon and Jake Fromm to lead the team and we all know how that worked out. Taylor is a professional and will provide the production and leadership the team lacked last year when Jones went down. GRADE B
- Ricky Seals-Jones (TE): Jones instantly becomes the starting tight end with the departure of Kyle Rudolph, Evan Engram and Kaden Smith. Jones is a reliable receiving who isn’t afraid to stick his nose in a defender and block. Jones could have his best season as a pro in 2022 as a Giant as long as he can avoid the injury bug, which has plagued him during his NFL career. Basically, Jones is a low risk, high reward signing. GRADE C+
- Jon Feliciano (OG/C): Feliciano has been penciled in to play center in 2022, which would be an upgrade over last year’s starter Billy Price. Feliciano is on a one-year deal; which would indicate a stop gap maneuver on Joe Schoen’s part; perhaps allowing Nick Gates more ample time to rehab and return fully healthy. GRADE C+
- CJ Board (WR): Board will be expected to provide depth at the wide receiver position and contribute on special teams; which has been his main role as a Giant. GRADE C-.
- Jamil Douglas (OG): Douglas is an instant upgrade from the 2021 offensive guards for the Giants and will compete for a starting position come training camp. Douglas will have a leg up on the other linemen as he knows Brian Daboll’s offense; which should give him an edge in the beginning. GRADE C.
- Matt Breida (RB): Breida could be a sleeper signing for the Giants on the offensive side of the ball as the fate of Saquan Barkley or durability is still unknown. Breida gives the Giants as much if not more than former player Devontae Booker did for a fraction of the cost and the Giants are banking on Breida to continue his production that has him averaging 4.9 years per carry for his career. GRADE B+.
- Jihad Ward (DE): If Breida is the offensive sleeper signing for the Giants, then Ward could very well be the defensive sleeper signing. Ward’s familiarity with Wink Martindale system is certainly a big plus and he will fit in nicely as a rotational piece along the defensive line. GRADE B+.
- Robert Foster (WR): Foster adds depth to the wide receiver group and will need to perform well in training camp to earn a spot on the 53-man roster. Foster familiarity with Brian Daboll’s offense will be a plus, but Foster will need to shine to remain a Giant in 2022. GRADE C-.
- Matt Gono (OG/OT): Gono is a serviceable lineman who could at the very least spot starter if the Giants draft an OT and time is needed to develop. Gono is currently penciled in as the starting RT, but that could change if the Giants draft an OT in the upcoming draft; which is expected. GRADE C.
The current roster is far from being the finished product as we still have the draft and UDFA awaiting us; along with waiver pickups from team cuts throughout the league. GM Joe Schoen will be a very busy man from now until opening day. OVERALL GRADE B.