As the New York Giants prepare for training camp and the position battles that ensue, it might not be a bad idea to take a look at some free agent safeties that could provide competition for Andrew Adams and Darian Thompson. Neither player has been able to secure the starting job for the Giants, as Thompson has worked with the second-stringers this offseason and Adams has split first-string reps with Curtis Riley.
There are two names that jump off the free agent board and should be a serious consideration for a Giants secondary that is being filled with undrafted free agents and aging veterans. While general manager Dave Gettleman has done a stellar job boosting the trenches and linebacker corps, the secondary has been left to fend for itself. But give him credit where it’s due… It’s impossible to turn an entire team around in just one season, especially with salary cap restrictions. Gettleman has done his share of what was asked of him – turn the Giants into a winning football team.
The free agents:
1.) Kenny Vaccaro
The former New Orleans Saint suffered a groin injury in 2017 which forced him onto injury reserve a little over the mid-season mark. He struggled to play through it and the team decided it was in their/his best interest to take him off the active roster.
Despite the injury, he was having a solid year as a slot corner. The Giants are in dire need of a true slot guy – Vaccaro can provide support at safety and in the slot. At just 27 years old, Vaccaro has plenty of life in his legs and would be a great signing if the Giants can muster the caps-space. It all comes down to money and whether Vaccaro is willing to take his chances on a one year deal.
#Saints S Kenny Vaccaro jumps a route from his zone assignment. Reads route well, takes pass away. pic.twitter.com/dEZmisQKhp
— RevDeuce (@RevDeuceWindham) September 24, 2017
2.) Eric Reid
At just 26 years-old, Eric Reid is one of the best cover safeties in the NFL. His ability to play the deep ball and keep receivers in-front of him is high-class, but injury concerns and missed tackles have plagued his career. He has missed 12 games in two seasons and can be a liability when tackling in the open field. Offering him a one-year “prove it” deal would be the best case scenario, and one he might take for that matter. Offering him a chance at redemption on a rejuvenated Giants squad could be exactly what he need to get his career back on track.
https://twitter.com/NinerNabs49/status/901978764917092352
3.) Tre Boston
After a one-year contract with the San Diego Chargers, Boston became a coveted cover safety. He struggled previously in Carolina but showed that his potential and abilities were no fluke. He would be a great addition to the Giants’ secondary – he’s durable and would be a stellar addition in regard to covering the deep ball and seam routes ran by opposing tight ends.
https://twitter.com/TheFBLife/status/811060139683905537
The Giants gave up a touchdown to a tight end every game leading up to week 11.
Overall, any one of these safeties would provide an immense upgrade at the safety position, and for Vaccaro, he could contribute in the slot as well. It’s surprising that none have been signed yet, but I wouldn’t rule out the Giants working out a few enticing players.