Looks like the Giants will head into the 2021 season with $22 million in cap space but they can make a few strategic cuts to significantly improve that. Here is where I would start:
Cut:
Nate Solder (Save $14.5 million)
Golden Tate (Save $6 million)
Kevin Zeitler (Save $12.5 million)
That will get them to $55 million in cap space.
Bring back:
Dalvin Tomlinson ($9 million a year)
Logan Ryan ($7 million a year)
Kyler Fackrell ($5 million a year)
Do not extend and try to trade (potentially freeing up more cap):
Evan Engram
Jabril Peppers
Notables to let walk:
Leonard Williams
Marcus Golden
Sign:
Joe Thuney ($13 million a year)
TY Hilton ($5 million for 1 year prove it deal)
Patrick Peterson ($9 million a year)
Trent Murphy ($4 million a year)
Main focus on the draft would be a legit pass rusher in round #1 and Gregory Rousseau is more than likely going to be that guy. A few other items will be addressing the Center position, drafting some more DB depth, a new TE that is competent, and adding a speedy WR that can stretch the field.
Projected Starters:
QB - Jones
RB - Barkley
WRs - Slayton, Hilton, and Shepard
TE - Kaden Smith
LT - Thomas
LG - Hernandez
C - Gates (or rookie)
RG - Thuney
RT - Peart
DE - Murphy and Rousseau
DTs - Lawrence and Tomlinson
LBs - Carter, Martinez, and Fackrell
CBs - Bradberry and Peterson (Holmes in the slot)
Safety - McKinney and Peppers (or rookie)
I know it's super early but once again our season is over before Halloween and I'm bored.
Also Carter/Fackrell are edge rushers in a 3-4, do not see them in a 4-3 from what it looks like & big no to Murphy.
As for center I think that Gates has earned at least one more season. I expect him to continue to improve especially with a full normal offseason.
The Giants would need to exercise the 5th year option on Engram and Peppers rookie deals in order to trade them, which is going to be around $6M each. If they are not traded by next week then I assume they will both be let go as UFA.
Logan Ryan is going to be looking for more than $7.5M per year. While he makes plays it is not clear you can pay that much for a guy with no defined position. Is he a FS or slot CB?