The New York Giants are looking for a fresh start as the franchise has a new front-office regime. The duo of Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll have been quite active in the NFL’s free-agent frenzy. Despite salary cap restrictions, the Giants have added significant pieces to help their front by signing several offensive line free agents. Schoen and Daboll have offered some optimism to a fan base that has endured five consecutive losing seasons.
New York Giants Free-Agent Offensive Line Signings Offer Optimism
The G-Men finished with the 24th-worst rushing attack in the league. Their finish had a lot to do with a lack of talent up front who could not consistently open holes at the point of attack. Outside of Andrew Thomas, who proved to be the team’s best offensive linemen, the production was inconsistent. The problems originated from injuries to key starters and disappointing play from the remainder of the unit.
The Giants lost Shane Lemieux (knee) and Nick Gates (broken leg) at the start of the 2021 season. Will Hernandez and Nate Solder failed to meet expectations. Each was given ample opportunities but left a lot to be desired with the results. However, the Giants signed several free agent offensive linemen who offer improvement for the 2022 season.
Mark Glowinski, Guard
Mark Glowinski had another outstanding season with the Indianapolis Colts. He rarely receives much recognition from the national media. Nevertheless, Glowinski put together quite the resume, garnering him a three-year/$18.3 million deal with the Giants.
The Seattle Seahawks drafted Glowinski in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL draft. He played 36 games in the Pacific Northwest before the Colts signed him off waivers in 2017. Glowinski went on to start 55 of 59 games played with Indianapolis.
The Giants brass believes his best football is ahead of him. He is versatile enough to play at either guard position. The hope is Glowinski is a long-term starting option on the line for years to come.
Jon Feliciano, Center
The Giants needed an immediate solution to their problem at the center position. The signing of Jon Feliciano gives them versatility as he can play all three interior line positions. But the Giants front office will provide the former Buffalo Bills offensive lineman very opportunity to win the center job this summer.
The Oakland Raiders selected Feliciano in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL draft. The Silver and Black used Feliciano as a primary backup in the offensive line mix as he made only eight starts. He left the organization to sign with the Bills in the free-agency period following the 2018 season. Feliciano started 31 out of 34 games for the Western New York franchise.
His signing was a no-brainer as Feliciano played under new Giants head coach during their time together in Buffalo. He will become an excellent sounding board for teammates unsure of the new blocking assignments. Feliciano’s knowledge could help the offense to thrive in Daboll’s first season at the helm.
Max Garcia, Guard
Max Garcia could become the next piece in the Giants revamped offensive line. He will compete against Ben Bredeson and Lemieux for a starting position in training camp this summer.
The Denver Broncos drafted Garcia in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL. He was on the roster of their Super Bowl-winning team later that season. Garcia has made 52 starts (39 were at left guard) in his seven-year career with the Broncos and Arizona Cardinals.
He is the perfect addition to the Giants rebuilding process. Garcia brings professionalism and consistency to the table.
All of the free agent signings have not been flashy but could be effective in making an impact on the roster. The value of these veterans will be immense in the area of improving the quality of play in games.
Schoen felt the need to invest in the offensive line this off-season. But the focus cannot begin and end with the current free-agent additions. The final spot in the starting unit is expected to be filled by a high draft choice. Currently, the Giants hold the fifth and seventh overall picks in this spring’s draft. Schoen has an idea on the type of offensive lineman he wants to see on the field. The last weekend in April will be the time to deploy his plan.
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