Prior to the start of free agency, ESPN had the New York Giants at 25th overall in their “way-too-early” power rankings, which seemed fair after their fourth straight season with double-digit losses.
However, after an impressive spending spree in free agency that netted the likes of wide receiver Kenny Golladay, cornerback Adoree’ Jackson and tight end Kyle Rudolph, their perception changed a bit.
Earlier this week, ESPN released their post-free agency power rankings and the Giants rose four spots to No. 21 overall.
21. New York Giants
Way-too-early ranking: 25
Best offseason move: Paying up for WR Kenny Golladay
This was a move the Giants needed to make. They have a young quarterback who needed a No. 1 receiver, and Golladay was the only real option on the market. So while the Giants might have overpaid giving Golladay (a player who comes with questions) a strong deal that pays him $18 million per season, this is about making sure they give Daniel Jones a legitimate chance to succeed. That might not have been possible without landing the former Lions receiver, who has a knack for making contested catches.
“Overpaid” is a buzz word Giants fans will hear frequently leading up to the 2021 regular season. However, as we’ve noted previously, there’s no way to know who has been overpaid until they take the field. And then, by 2022 and 2023, the salary cap will likely balloon, making these “overpaid” players look like underpaid players real fast.
As far as the Giants as a team, there’s no denying they got better on paper this offseason. But they aren’t interested in being Kings of March, as co-owner John Mara put it. They need these moves to pan out long-term or it was all for naught.
