With the 2020 NFL Draft growing closer and closer, free agency is also phasing out, specifically regarding top player signings and splash-moves. However, the New York Giants aren’t finished retooling just yet, and several players remain on the market that could fill specific roles.
Here are three free agents the New York Giants could consider:
1.) C Ryan Kalil
Considering how many holes the Giants have on the roster, they will need to make a few more signings to sure up positions of weakness. One of those deficiencies is at center, and with Jon Halapio hitting the market, the Giants will be looking for his replacement.
GM Dave Gettleman could very well address the position through the draft, and that would be the ideal scenario, but taking a team-friendly flier on a player like Kalil could be a decent move to allow more investment in other positions. Kalil earned $8.4 million on a one-year deal with the Jets last season, but he only played in seven games. He didn’t allow a sack, but his season being cut short means the Giants can likely snag him on a friendly contract for one year. Retaining Spencer Pulley as a backup option would make sense in this situation, but if Gettleman is against using one of their mid-round picks on a prospect, Kalil could fit the bill for the time being.
2.) Eric Reid
While Reid is as outspoken as they get off the field, he’s a quality player on it, and he proved that with the Carolina Panthers in 2019. His first four years in the NFL were as a free safety, but he transitioned into a SS/FS role when he joined Carolina. He reminds me of Antoine Bethea in a way, given his insane tackle totals (130 combined, seven for a loss), and his coverage grade isn’t the best of the bunch. It saw a significant increase from 2018 to ’19 (57.1% to 77.1%), but his missed tackle rate improved in that same period from 12.3% to 6.5%.
This would be a cost-efficient move to hold down the free safety spot for the time being. I would prefer Gettleman to address the position in the draft or plug Julian Love in as the starter, but if he’s looking for another plug and play veteran, Reid is an alternative.
3.) Jabaal Sheard
The former Indianapolis Colt has experience playing as an outside linebacker with the Cleveland Browns a few years ago. He would offer a few sacks and quality reps on the defensive for the Giants. He might be a cost-efficient signing to add more talent and competition to the pass-rusher position, but I’m getting the feeling the Giants are waiting on something big — whether it be Markus Golden re-signing or Chase Young falling to the 4th overall pick.
Sheard is someone to keep an eye on, though, as he posted 4.5 sacks and nine quarterback hits injust 55% of snaps played on defense last year.