Heading into the 2019 season with Antoine Bethea and Sean Chandler as the primary free safeties for the New York Giants presents a sense of insecurity.
Bethea is a former strong safety that moves back with age and Chandler is a below-average deep cover man that hasn’t shown starting quality since his inception in 2018. The Giants should proceed with caution if they elect to go with these two options in the season ahead, but there are several free agents that could also fit the bill if they choose to inject more quality into the position.
New York Giants: 3 safeties that can help the defense
1.) Tre Boston
Boston’s lone season in Arizona last season was productive. He was effective against the run and the pass, tallying 79 combined tackles, 1 forced fumble, 3 interceptions, and 9 passes defended. He’s been a solid safety throughout his career, and he could continue that trend for the Giants if brought on.
The former Cardinal was originally drafted in 2014 by GM Dave Gettleman, so there’s a link and familiarity between the two that could prove to be beneficial. Coming off a solid season in 2017 where he started 15 games for the Chargers, Boston has proven he can bounce around from team to team and still play at a high level.
Bringing on Boston would inject a more youthful player into the safety position to battle it out with Bethea. Personally, I would like this move a lot, given the Giants seem to be putting too much hope in Antoine.
Predicted Contract: 2 years, $3 millionÂ
A veteran the New York Giants could consider:
2.) Eric Berry
After battles with cancer and Achilles/foot issues, Berry has found himself sitting on the free agent market looking for another chance to showcase his abilities in the NFL. He played in just two games last season, making for a rather underwhelming campaign that doesn’t provide much in terms of statistical value.
However, there’s still potential to be extracted from the battle-ridden veteran. At 30-years old, Berry is on the older side, but doctors have given the go-ahead for him to continue playing football – he will not require any further surgery.
The Giants could likely sign him on a very team-friendly deal to see what he has left in the tank, but it would essentially be a shot in the dark given they’ve already signed a veteran in Bethea.
Precited contract: 1 year, $1 million
3.) Glover Quinn
Another veteran safety that could make a difference later in their career. Glover Quinn, 33, is still looking for another gig in the NFL. He was once a top-level safety with Pro Bowl quality – he’s regressed a lot since then, but he could feature as a below-average starter for another year or two. He’s a decent reserve player that the Giants could count on to perform when called upon.
The bright side with Quinn is his impeccable health. He’s started every game over the past nine seasons. He racked up 74 combined tackles and recorded 0 interceptions for the first time since 2011. Despite those poor numbers, he’s only one year removed from a 3 INT, 84 combined tackle effort. There could be gas left in the tank.
Predicted Contract: 1 year, $1.5 million