The New York Giants made some surprising moves on Saturday, like the release of safeties Darian Thompson and Andrew Adams. Tack on wide receiver Roger Lewis and defensive tackle Robert Thomas and you start to think the front-office might have gotten a little too cut-happy.
In the end, we must resort back to our logic and realize that a vast majority of the players that were released featured on the 3-13 team in 2017. Most of them received significant playing time and showed minimal value while starting. For example, Lewis started for a majority of the season and managed just 416 yards and two touchdowns. While he offers more value on special teams, it seems as if the Giants have allocated a solid amount of resources towards the improvement of the unit.
Despite the cuts, here are three players that could help the New York Giants considerably:
1.) CB Quenton Meeks
Quenton Meeks was waived in Jacksonville. I think that would be my No. 1 waiver claim if I'm the Giants.
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) September 1, 2018
Meeks was a stellar collegiate player, earning All-Pac 12 notice with 22 tackles, two interceptions and six pass breakups. He has potential as a starting corner with solid fundamentals, but he’s a system guy. If he fits the man-coverage scheme with minimal help over the top, he could be a solid acquisition for the Giants. He’s young and has room for development – with good size and speed, there’s potential for him int he secondary.
2.) K Dan Bailey
There’s nothing better than stealing one of the Cowboys’ best players. Bailey has been a rock for Dallas at the kicker position. He is the second most accurate kicker in NFL history and was a captain for his team. He was earning a hefty contract for a kicker but the Giants could scoop him up on a fraction deal to replace Aldrick Rosas for the foreseeable future. While Rosas has seemed solid thus far, he struggle immensely in the 2017 regular season, completing just 72% of his attempts. Bailey is an 88.2% career kicker.
3.) OG Jonathan Cooper
Since being drafted in 2015, Cooper has been on five different teams. He was a former first-round pick and had immense upside. His athleticism is impressive but technique-wise he struggles. Injuries have also plagued his professional career. He would be an upgrade for the Giants’ offensive line depth nonetheless.
4.) OT Austin Howard
Howard performed well with the Baltimore Ravens at right tackle. At 31 years-old, 6-foot-7, 330 pounds, Howard is a massive man. The Giants wouldn’t need him to be a starter over Ereck Flowers, but rather a serviceable backup that could fill in and potentially give Flowers a run for his money.