The New York Giants failed to make the playoffs last year, posting a 6-10 season in a down year for the NFC East. The Giants will try to bounce back this season with Ben McAdoo replacing Tom Coughlin as head coach. The Giants will look to the NFL Draft to find young talent, but could add few players via free agency as well.
This list only factors in free agents that didn't play for the Giants last season. So while the Giants could try to bring back DE Jason Pierre-Paul, he and the other New York free agents won't be appearing here. While getting Josh Norman would be great, he's not going to hit the open market. This list focuses only on players who could actually end up in contract talks with New York. The Giants have, at the moment, over $57 million in cap space. That number will rise with restructures and releases. That means money won't be a major issue if the team really wants to land someone. With that in mind, here are five free agents the Giants could realistically sign this offseason.
DE Mario Williams
Robert Ayers and Pierre-Paul started last season for the Giants, but both are free agents. They might not be back and the team needs help rushing the passer even if both return. Williams was cut by the Buffalo Bills Tuesday and the Giants are a strong landing spot. The Giants have more than enough cap space to lure Williams.
DE Olivier Vernon
That's right, two defensive ends. If the Giants really want to overhaul their defensive line, then Vernon should be at the top of their list. He's young and fresh off a great season. The Dolphins placed the transition tag on Vernon, meaning they can match any offer. But the Dolphins won't get a draft pick in return and the Giants have the cap space to offer a massive deal that the Dolphins won't be able to match.
OT Joe Barksdale
Barksdale is one of several free agent offensive tackles the Giants could sign. Other notable names include Russell Okung, Mitchell Schwartz and Andre Smith. Barksdale is only 27 and is coming off a solid season. However, he will likely be cheaper than the previous names mentioned. The Giants need offensive line help at both guard and tackle. If the team spends most of its money on defense, then getting a slightly cheaper tackle like Barksdale makes sense. For more Giants news, download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app.
S Eric Weddle
Weddle has already said he wants to chase a Super Bowl, and that's what the Giants can provide him. Unlike most contenders, the Giants have the cap space to pay Weddle his true value. The team needs a free safety to pair with Landon Collins and Weddle is one of the best ones on the market. For more Giants rumors, download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app.
WR Marvin Jones
With Alshon Jeffery getting the franchise tag, Jones is the top WR on the free agent market. It's a down free agent crop, which will boost Jones' value. He's not a No. 1 WR, but the Giants don't need one. They need an upgrade across from Odell Beckham and that's exactly what Jones can provide. With several free agents, the Bengals might not be able to bring back Jones. If he hits the open market, his value could be out of Cincinnati's price range.
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