Housing a secondary comparable to swiss cheese, the New York Giants would be smart to consider trading for any player that can improve the unit quickly. The objection would be their current rebuild and that the team is not prepared to contend for the playoffs, which would argue against the trading of assets (draft capital, cap space).
However, with Janoris Jenkins set to make $14.75 million in 2020, finding a younger, better replacement could be a positive move. That’s where one of the league’s best corners comes into play.
Should the New York Giants pursue Jalen Ramsey?
Jacksonville Jaguars star defender, Jalen Ramsey, engaged in a confrontation with head coach Doug Marrone during a live game, which spurred Ramsey’s displeasure and trade request. The Jaguars accepted his invitation and began fielding offers from other teams, and one NFC team has reportedly offered a first-round pick for his talents.
Ramsey is scheduled to earn $13.70 million next season, but he will become a free agent in 2021. The team that signs him will have to be competitive and prove to Ramsey that they’re worth signing an extension with. In the case of the Giants, that reality is far fetched.
With Eli Manning being benched for Daniel Jones on Tuesday and the secondary a band of misfit toys, Ramsey is likely informing his agent that the Giants are at the bottom of the trade list. Even if Jones miraculously turns the offense around and wins the next two games to climb back to a .500 record, the Giants defense is at least two seasons from being above-average.
Ramsey would have to play through the 2019 rebuild and continue with only a glimpse of hope beyond 2020. It would be a significant risk on his end, and he might be better off sticking with the Jaguars in that case. For argument’s sake, the Giants are trying to change the culture and adding an unpredictable diva to the locker room is not at the top of their priority list either.
A marriage between Ramsey and the Giants seems to be unlikely, but we’ve seen crazier things happen in the NFL before. Big Blue is far better off waiting until the 2020 offseason to pursue top corners like Chris Harris and Jimmy Smith — more to come on those two options!