The New York Giants will enter free agency with an abundance of needs, including pass rusher, linebacker, safety, wide receiver, running back and cornerback — not necessarily in that order.
With over $70 million in salary cap space and more expected once the cap ceiling is officially set, the Giants should have the wiggle room to do just about anything they want.
But what do they want? What need will they prioritize? Surely it has to be offensive tackle or edge rusher, right? Perhaps not…
Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post reports that the Giants are expected to prioritize a veteran cornerback above all else despite their hefty investment into the position over the previous two years.
Expect the Giants to prioritize cornerback in free agency one year after mistakenly failing to do so, sources said.
Even with the possibility Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah will be available at No. 4, the Giants understand the need to add a veteran. There is optimism things clicked for DeAndre Baker – one of three first-round picks in 2019 – late in his rookie season. Other teams are not sure he has NFL cornerback speed.
The Giants’ pitch to free agent Byron Jones could include offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, Jones’ head coach with the Cowboys for the last five seasons. James Bradberry (Panthers) is another coveted option.
The Giants have brought in the likes of Sam Beal, DeAndre Baker, Corey Ballentine, Grant Haley and Julian Love in recent years, but lack satisfaction with the unit.
The cornerbacks’ struggles a year ago were obvious to everyone watching, but as the season wound down, it was clear that the entirety of the group had made strides — especially Baker, who started the season off as poorly as one could.
Still, the Giants are clearly uncomfortable with the youth and inexperience at the position and intend to add someone with a longer resume into the fold.
