Written by: Ali Jawad
Twitter: ajawad_024
With the free agency period only 2 months away one team we can expect to make moves would be the New York Football Giants. After cutting ties with Janoris Jenkins the Giants are now projected at 70 million in cap the most they have had since the 2016 offseason. Last go around the Giants went on a spending spree one that paved the way for a 2016 playoff appearance then everything came crashing down. General Manager Dave Gettleman mentioned during his press conference “we will continue to build through the draft.” Still with 70 million in cap we can expect at least one or two upgrades through free agency and here are some ideal players the Giants should target.
Anthony Costanzo
Offensive Tackle was definitely an issue for the Giants in 2019 Nate Solder and Mike Remmers entered as the starters and one season later it is clear the Giants could use an upgrade. Remember when the Giants former GM Jerry Reese opted not to sign veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth who would then go on to sign with the Rams and help pave the way to a Super Bowl. Nonetheless, it’s another crack at it as Costanzo is this year’s version of Andrew Whitworth. Already an established left tackle at the age of 31 Costanzo could certainly keep Daniel Jones blindside protected which can play a key role in Jones development and would be an immediate impact over Nate Solder.
Connor McGovern
The Giants went into this season hoping Jon Halapio could be there long term answer at
center but did not live up to expectations. Denver’s Connor McGovern would be a great fit upfront on that Giants offensive line. McGovern finished the season grading out as a top 10 center, and at age 27 would be a relatively young option. McGovern’s strengths include quick feet, high football IQ, strong hands, and is a great 2nd level blocker. He would also improve the Giants interior offensive line, while playing next to Will Hernandez and Kevin Zeitler. McGovern would essentially be the anchor they need upfront to command the line and protect Daniel Jones.
Shaq Barrett
I’m sure many Giants fans had their sights set on Ohio State's Chase Young. With the Giants picking at 4 and Young unlikely falling past 2 and edge rusher being a top need the Giants will have some other options at edge rusher. Shaq Barrett will be a highly sought out free agent after the production he just put up in 2019. Barrett led the league with 19.5 sacks, as well as registering 58 tackles, and 6 forced fumbles. At the age of 27 Barrett is currently in his prime and with the Giants fielding over 70 million in cap this is one key free agent they should definitely open the bank up for. Imagine a front that consists of Barrett, Golden, Connelly, Lawrence, Tomlinson, and Williams. This would give the Giants excellent young run stoppers as well as increased talent at edge rusher.
Corey Littleton
The Giants hit on Ryan Connelly last season although he played just 4 games before an ACL injury cut his season short, he definitely showed the team he can be a solid option at inside linebacker. The Giants currently run a 3-4 defense, and should they stick to the current scheme adding in Littleton to pair up with Connelly would give the Giants the duo they have been needing at inside linebacker a position the Giants have lacked since the days of franchise great Antonio Pierce. Littleton offers versatility as well he can play both linebacker positions, and special teams. He was voted as a special teams starter in the 2018 pro bowl. Midway through the 2019 season, PFF had Littleton graded as the best coverage linebacker. With the Rams having invested a lot of money in Goff, Gurley, and likely soon to be Jalen Ramsey, Littleton could be the odd man out making this a must free agent sign by the Giants.
Chris Harris Jr
Even though I highly wouldn’t expect it the Giants should still consider and take a look at Harris who has been one of the most productive corners in the league the past few seasons. At the age of 30 he wouldn’t be commanding top corner money but the Giants definitely have money to pay. The two main reasons I would like this signing is because it would give the Giants an immediate number 1 corner and a major upgrade over the previously released Janoris Jenkins, and would also give the Giants a pro bowl veteran corner who can mentor the young defensive backs such as Deandre Baker, Julian Love as well as any draft picks used in the secondary.