When a team experiences a shift in coaching and management, oftentimes, they look to bring players from their previous organizations to provide consistency and familiarity. The New York Giants recently overhauled their entire front office, bringing in Brian Daboll from the Buffalo Bills as their new head coach.
There’s a strong possibility Daboll and Joe Schoen look to Buffalo in free agency to steal a few contributing players, but new offensive coordinator Mike Kafka could also do the same from the Kansas City Chiefs.
With the offensive line a significant need and the Giants desperately requiring more talent across the board, Chiefs’ offensive lineman Andrew Wylie could fit the bill nicely as an acquisition this off-season.
While he spent last season serving as Kansas City’s right tackle over 521 snaps, giving up four sacks to QB has and 23 hurries, he’s built a solid body of work to attract suitors.
Wiley isn’t known as an elite offensive lineman by any means, but he has experience at left guard, right guard, and right tackle, making him that much more valuable as a plug-and-play option at multiple positions. Wylie would theoretically give the Giants some flexibility if injuries occur next season, moving him around and supplementing deficiencies.
According to PFF, Wylie spent 874 snaps at right guard in 2020 and 574 at left guard in 2019. Having posted average grades, the Giants could rely on him to be a competent player who provides sufficient play without over-impression.
With the 6’6″, 309-pound former undrafted free agent preparing to hit the open market, the Giants could secure him on a multi-year deal for a cost-efficient price. A deal in the realm of three years, $15 million, might get the job done, and since the team lost Nick Gates to a broken leg last season, adding another versatile piece would be a productive move. Schoen and Co. currently have -$12 million in salary space, so finding good players at an efficient price-point is a necessity. Wylie fits that mold perfectly.
Big Blue also has plenty of draft capital to allocate toward the trenches in April, but finding familiar players who can offer substantial value is always a priority. Considering Kafka knows Wylie well during their time with Kansas City, the connection is there for a potential move.