The New York Giants were a rebuilding team last season. They had probably their biggest offseason last year, spending upwards of 200 million dollars on the defense alone. Their draft also brought in many key contributors as well. They are on the brink of being a consistent contender, so let’s take a look at what they need in order to push them over that line.
New York Giants Offseason Guide
Resigning Key Players and Cutting Deadweight
The Giants will have roughly 33 million dollars in cap space after this season. Jason Pierre-Paul and Johnathan Hankins must be resigned. This is definitely feasible, and Jerry Reese needs to lock them both up. They helped form a formidable defensive line that really got going up until JPP’s injury. Damon Harrison and Hankins manned the middle, stopping run after run, while JPP and Olivier Vernon put significant pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Those are the main guys who need to be resigned. Justin Pugh and Odell Beckham also need to be locked up soon, but that is a later issue.
Now comes the Victor Cruz and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie problem. Both are making big money this season. Victor Cruz is making 9.4 million this season and his dead cap, if cut, is 1.9 million. It is a no brainer than the Giants should move on from Cruz this season and save close to seven million in cap space. With Rodgers-Cromartie, it is a little bit more complicated. He is owed 8.5 million this season, and his dead cap is four million. If the Giants cut him, they will only save four million dollars. They should not cut him for this exact reason. There is not one cornerback available who produces at his level for four million dollars. He is one year removed from a Pro Bowl season, and even last year he played like a Pro Bowler. He should be kept and it should not even be a question.
NFL Free Agency
After locking up both Hankins and JPP, the Giants will turn to signing free agents. In free agency, it would be wise for the Giants to sign a tall wide receiver. Andre Holmes fits the bill perfectly. He is a tall, physical receiver who could line opposite of Odell Beckham. Also, signing a role player at the linebacker position will be necessary. If a premier left tackle is somehow available, the Giants should absolutely make a move for him. However, it is very unlikely one enters free agency. A wide receiver and a linebacker are the two critical positions that the Giants need to sign a player.
NFL Draft
The draft is right around the corner, and the Giants need to hit big on their first couple of picks. It is best for the Giants to invest in their offensive line. Ryan Ramczyk fits the build for this pick. He is a very good pass and run blocker. His only downside is he needs to put on some weight and muscle. This is very easy to achieve and if he is available, this would be a home run. Ereck Flowers would then move over to the right side of the line. With their second and third round picks, the Giants should target a tight end and an offensive guard or linebacker.
A play-making tight end who could also block would be a tremendous acquisition. The Giants have not invested heavily in this position since they drafted Jeremy Shockey in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft. The three tight ends on the roster last season were Will Tye (undrafted), Jerell Adams (sixth round pick), and Larry Donnell (undrafted). With this being one of the deepest tight end classes in recent memory, now is the time to upgrade at this position.
The Giants have their work cut out for them, but this has the potential of being a very successful offseason. With a few big moves, the Giants could be a Super Bowl contender. They have Eli Manning for a few more seasons, so expect Jerry Reese to be all in.
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