Many of us are very much focused on the draft, but I think we also need a healthy FA discussion. I'm probably more guilty than most of being near exclusively focused on the draft, and it's probably because FA is so hard to predict. You just never know who is actually going to be available and what type of deal they are willing to take. Nevertheless, I think the Giants will be looking to add some (not many) reasonably priced veterans that will allow the organization to target players they like (vice positions) in the draft. With an eye toward vlaue (in all senses of the word), I think Reese and company will be looking at the following positions in FA.
1. OT/OG - at the very least depth is needed and perhaps another starter.
2. OLB - I don't think Williams is back and even if he is, the depth is poor.
3. Safety - In the likely event Rolle is not resigned the situation at safety becomes very green and very thin.
4. DT - After Hankins, I'm actually not impressed with anyone on the interior DL. Kuhn is just a guy, Patterson and Jenkins are on the down side, and Bromley is green (but promising).
5. ILB - What happens if/when Beason misses time again. Sure McClain can step in, but there doesn't seem to be much after that.
6. WR - I highly doubt Jernigan is coming back (and good riddance). Nothing more frustrating than a wildly inconsistent player. I think a veteran slot WR will be brought in as insurance for Cruz. Think 2 year deal.
Regarding RB...I don't see the Giants paying anything close to substantial money for a HB given that this draft class is loaded with RBs. Some may argue that CJ Spiller would be an ideal fit, but having watched most of his pro-games I would say he is incapable of being a between the tackles runner and is pretty much a Reggie Bush type back. You don't pay big money for those guys. The problem is, I think some other team will, which will keep the Giants out of the running.
So, just thinking out loud, here are some of my preferred FA targets. Please provide yours if you like.
DT - Dan Williams, AZ Cardinals, age 27: Ok, so this might be more money than the Giants want to spend, but Williams represents an attractive option as a extremely productive and disruptive player who won't command Suh type dollars. A DT rotation of Hankins, Williams, and Bromley would be more than stout, and potentially game changing.
OLB - Bruce Carter, Dallas Cowboys, age 26: One of the more athletic LBs in the league. He is long (6'3") and rangey, with sub 4.6 speed.
OG/OT - Jah Reid, Baltimore Ravens, age 26: This is signing based on potential and versatility. A huge man, 6'7" 320lbs who can play both Guard and Tackle. Has some starting experience but has primarily been a backup. He would likely come cheap and provide critical depth.
OT - Eric Winston, Cincinnati Bengals, age 31: After most pro-scouts thought Winston was washed up he returned to the Bengals and proceeded to be their best player on the OL. Signed for a steal, Winston will probably be looking to up his salary, but it is unlikely he will seek BIG money given his age and doubts about how many good years he has left. He would give the Giants a reasonably priced veteran OT option, that could back up either tackle spot or allow the coaching staff to play Pugh inside. Could be a very good signing from a value and flexibility standpoint.
WR - Chris Hogan, Buffalo Bills, age 27: Here's the reality, finding value you are confident in at WR is hard. Bottom line is good veteran WRs get paid, and even average veteran WRs cost you decent money. It's a passing league and just like QBs and DEs, WR salaries get inflated quickly. (This is also why a WR at #9 or in round 2 makes sense for the Giants). But Hogan is an intriguing option. A NJ native, he played well for Buffalo this year as the 3rd WR with an awful QB situation and non-existent running game. He is bigger than you think, 6'1" 220, is a good route runner with excellent hands. He'll be cheap and an excellent insurance policy for Cruz. Besides, he's a white WR, a diversity hire :) J/K guys
Safety - Darian Stewart, Baltimore Ravens, age 26. I actually don't see how the Giants have much of a choice here. Ok I exaggerate, but Rolle will be too expensive to bring back, and honestly I could see a team who is closer to contending offering him an expensive deal. Stewart has good size, 5'11" 214, and is familiar with the system Spags wants to run. I think this is crucial, especially in the back 7. I have every confidence that Beason, if healthy, can direct any defense, but the safety sees the entire field and I would not want to entrust that job to the youngsters (Taylor and Behrle) and there is no guarantee Stevie Brown will be back.
ILB - Chase Blackburn, Carolina Panthers, age 31. You can call me crazy, but Blackburn is an ideal depth signing at all 3 LB positions. Not the fastest LB, he is rarely if ever out of position, an excellent special teams player, and a leader. I think he would welcome coming back to the Giants and playing for Spags again, and I don't think it would cost that much, nor should it given his age. If I'm Reese, I'd be ok with this since I plan to draft a young LB this April.
So there are my "targets," subject to change of course. Check out the link for other possible FA options.
Sportrac NFL FAs - (
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Williams is certainly a consideration
DE - Derrick Morgan -Loved him in the draft, would like to pair him with JPP and Ayers.
DT - Jarvis Jenkins - AWS 34 DE now recovered from his ACL is on the upswing.
The one offensive FA I'd bring in is Michael Crabtree. I love his game as it relates to Eli, huge hands, power after the catch. I have no idea if Cruz returns to form and Randle is a ? Bring him in as a Z that can also work the X if they want to shift OBJ inside .
I don't think that we are looking to pick up another Charlie Brown at anything above the veteran minimum.
I'm guessing that the rest of the holes will be filled after the draft by young FAs who have kicked around the League, but have only limited game experience.
If you watch the tape from last year, Dan Williams simply manhandled Walton (and sometimes Richburg). He gets little press, but is an outstanding DT.
Chris Hogan, as you mentioned, is a local kid that I agree would be a perfect addition at a reasonable price.
I would pass on Darian Stewart at Safety, only because I think Jeromy Miles of the Ravens is a better option. Stewart was benched at the end of the year in favor of Myles, who really stepped up and approved the Ravens defense. Myles actually played his college ball with Victor Cruz and Julian Talley. And don't forget he was coached by Spags last year. Another small note- Spags first job as a college football coach was at all 3's alum- U Mass.
Finally, I like your Chase Blackburn idea.
Nice post
Mike Iupati, Orlando Franklin, Clint Boling, James Carpenter
Defensive Tackle:
Stephen Paea, Jared Odrick, Nick Fairley, Terrance Knighton
Linebacker:
Sean Weatherspoon, Justin Durant, Bruce Carter, O'Brien Schofield
If you watch the tape from last year, Dan Williams simply manhandled Walton (and sometimes Richburg). He gets little press, but is an outstanding DT.
Chris Hogan, as you mentioned, is a local kid that I agree would be a perfect addition at a reasonable price.
I would pass on Darian Stewart at Safety, only because I think Jeromy Miles of the Ravens is a better option. Stewart was benched at the end of the year in favor of Myles, who really stepped up and approved the Ravens defense. Myles actually played his college ball with Victor Cruz and Julian Talley. And don't forget he was coached by Spags last year. Another small note- Spags first job as a college football coach was at all 3's alum- U Mass.
Finally, I like your Chase Blackburn idea.
Nice post
Thanks, you might agree with more than I even agree with me. Good insight on the Ravens safety position. I don't follow the Ravens that closely and am not familiar with how all the issues with that secondary played out.
To me, going after Dan Williams is almost a must. The DL has one player that scares anyone (JPP). You can make a good argument for Hankins, he is coming on, but could use a little help inside.
I'm bullish on Hogan, that guy just gets open. And Chase never should have left, but he got to cash in following the 2011 superbowl, so good for him. Would welcome him back with open arms, as would the coaching staff I bet.
I think the Giants will have enough CAP space to sign JPP, one other expensive FA (hopefully Dan Williams) and some other bargains that many are discussing.
The Chris Hogan mention is a good one. I would rather sign him than re-sign Jernigan. But I think a WR is going to be acquired in some form, because there's too many question marks after Beckham.
Linebacker is definitely going to be an interesting story. I think Beason re-does his deal and stays. McClain is quality depth behind both Beason and Kennard. You let guys like Paysinger and Williams go. Too fragile or mediocre. Not sure bringing in Blackburn (age) is a great idea or Carter (injury). Seattle's Malcolm Smith is a better possibility.
Jabaal Sheard might be an interesting guy to look at. Played 43 DE in Cleveland before trying to become an outside rusher in their 34 scheme. Better at end. He won't be too expensive, I'd like to think.
He's always open...
Just go out and get Randall Cobb to give Eli another weapon
Draft DL and OL in first two rounds and go from there
With that said, I would steer away from the older and injury-plaqued players. The GIants have to get younger, faster and have less injuries next year. They need guys they can count on being there game to game. I do like Dan Williams though and it would help us immediately against the run. Could cost us, as Arizona will also be trying to keep him and there may be other suitors, as well. I don't think the GIants bring in more then one big-ticket FA and some other smaller pieces for depth.
My FA Priorities:
1. OG/Swing OT
2. Safety
3. LB
4. DT
Last year, he started 4 games for the Detroit Lions (played in all 16) and was team captain one week. Also a very good special teams player during his 4 years in the NFL.
Of the ones who will jump, you have to wonder why($$$ only?).
Hoping for a few key FA signings, a few that improve player 35-37, and a really smart draft.
Bruce Carter is really athletic, but he is hurt a lot, and is he really any good. He was benched last year. Do you really watch a Cowboy game and think you need to have him. Saying that, more athletic at LB is a given.
S is such an issue almost league wide - you basically swap junk for junk
Jah Reid is James Brewer but drafted 1 round earlier. No matter how bad their line can struggle, he does not play.
Winston is interesting - nobody wants him. He was out of football until Cincy called. I think it also speaks volumes about the lack of quality OL available. I would like them to sign M. Roos. Older vet who can play both T positions,
Put the with Cooper and Berle and we have a much better group.
Oh, is he a RFA then? Too bad, would have been a good fit. For some reason the site had him listed as a UFA, must be old/incorrect data.
Damn, my bad. He is an ERFA.
Of the ones who will jump, you have to wonder why($$$ only?).
Hoping for a few key FA signings, a few that improve player 35-37, and a really smart draft.
There are always several major guys who hit FA for one reason or another. I'd suggest that we really need to sign a few, because we can't possibly fix all our holes through the draft alone, or by bringing in scrubs like Charles Brown.
The wild card for me is Randall Cobb. He is out there, knows the GB offense, is young and uber-productive. Yes, he'll be costly. However, If we extend Eli and sign JPP long term (with a cap friendly year 1) amongst other cuts, we may have alot more cap room than anticipated.