The New York Giants still have several weaknesses across the roster after the 2019 NFL Draft, despite the upgrading of the secondary and defensive front.
Several specific positions remain thin, but there are various free agents that could make sense for Big Blue if they’re willing to dip into their 2020 cap-space. However, I imagine the Giants will continue forward developing their team in 2019 with the focus being on youth, as spending big money in a growing season doesn’t seem productive.
Let’s check out three free agents to help the New York Giants:
1.) RT Mike Remmers
With Chad Wheeler penciled in as the starting right tackle for the Giants in 2019, it certainly poses a potential problem. According to PFF, Wheeler ranked as the 78th overall tackle in the league, at the bottom of the barrel for starters.
Bringing in a player like Remmers would upgrade the position, but it wouldn’t secure it. His familiarity with head coach Pat Shurmur helps in terms of adaptation, but he’s coming off back surgery and is an injury risk.
For a veteran deal — maybe $1-3 million per season — adding Remmers would be a solid move. He’s a savvy veteran with plenty of experience to help the Giants’ offensive line succeed and keep Eli Manning upright, at least in the short-term until they can allocate more resources towards an upgrade.
2.) OLB Shane Ray
The Giants seem to be sticking with their current pass-rush situation featuring Lorenzo Carter, Markus Golden, and Oshane Ximines. However, they could look to add a cost-effectuve player to the mix like former Denver Bronco, Shane Ray.
Ray has struggled with injuries throughout his career, but he would fit prefectly as an OLB in the Giants’ 3-4 scheme. He would likely act as a situational pass-rusher, but he has the skill to burst through the opposing offensive line and get to the quarterback.
Playing in only 16 games once in his career, his health is again the primary issue here, but he had a career-high 8 sacks in that campaign. A one-year deal worth $3 million might get the job done, as the Giants would be giving a clearly talented player a second chance at life, and potentially a future home.
3.) S Eric Berry
Playing in just three games over the last two seasons surely doesn’t promote the signing of Eric Berry, however, he is a very skilled player that could contribute to a Giants team immediately. He would join a safety position accompanied by veteran, Antoine Bethea.
Defensive coordinator James Bettcher has coached Bethea before, which makes that combination more valuable. Berry could be a solid add regardless, given his past effectiveness and likely minimal price-tag.
The Kansas City Chiefs were on the hook for three of six years of a massive contract Berry signed in 2017. There was an out in his deal after the 2019 campaign, but the Chiefs elected to cut him to make room for other players taking on a $15 million cap hit. He will make far less on another team if signed, which is what’s so intriguing.
Injuries have tanked his value, so if the Giants could snatch him up on a one-year, $3 million deal, it might be a solid move, especially with his leadership and experience factored in. He could be a good influence for draft picks, Julian Love, Deandre Baker, and Corey Ballentine.