Every year when free agency comes around. I think the fan in all of us wants our teams to spend big on positions of needs. While that may be fun, we have seen how that doesn’t usually work long term. I think the best thing way to build an NFL team is through the draft, while you supplement through free agency. I think that is exactly what the Giants are trying to do, which may not be flashy, but sure is smart.
The Giants biggest need entering free agency was a number 1 wide receiver. The problem was that there really wasn’t a number 1 wide receiver in free agency. The Giants could have shelled out money for a JuJu, Jakobi Meyers, or even an Odell Beckham. I admittedly wrote on this very website that I thought it made sense to pay Odell a reasonable amount to help Daniel Jones. What I didn’t know was Darren Waller was available for a 3rd round pick. Waller, when healthy, is a top 3 tight end in the NFL. His contract is big, but the Giants can get out of it after 1 year with minimal dead money if this doesn’t work out. Getting DJ a weapon of his caliber is massive. Although he plays tight end, as it stands right now he is Daniel Jones’s number 1 target. Along with this, the Giants brought back Darius Slayton on a reasonable 2 year deal, and brought in Parris Campbell. They then brought more depth to the group with Jamison Crowder and Jeff Smith.
The Giants also needed to improve their run defense. While I also wanted Tremaine Edmunds, the Bears payed him ALOT of money. Joe Schoen instead brought in Bobby Okereke. Okereke is a sideline to sideline linebacker and is just 26 years old. Along with the signing of Okereke, they brought in D-line depth with the signing of Rakeem Nunez-Noches AKA “Nacho.” The Giants have also brought in A’Shawn Robinson for a visit which would be huge for this D-Line. The Giants did lose starters Nick Gates, Jon Feliciano, and Julian Love. As far as the offensive line, Joe Schoen has hinted that they are comfortable with their depth, so while they may bring in a vet and a draft pick, the guys on the team will probably battle for those spots. The Giants did sign Nickel Corner/Safety Bobby McCain who will get reps along with 2nd year safety Dane Belton and Jason Pinnock. What the Giants do still need is a corner opposite Adoree’ Jackson. The Giants signed a UDFA from last year in Leonard Johnson and Amani Oruwariye, who did have 6 picks 2 years ago for the Lions. These signings, along with guys on the team, and potential draft picks may be the guys who battle for that spot.
The Giants still have a lot of needs on this team. What they have done is build depth at most positions, and allowed themselves to enter the draft being able to draft the best available player. Spending big on free agency to fill needs does not work most of the time because it’s just a bandaid. What the Giants need to do is develop last years draft picks and hit on future ones.
That will determine the future of the New York Football Giants.
(Photo: Giants.com)
