With New York Giants GM Dave Gettleman ensuring the fan-base that the pass-rushing unit will be addressed this offseason, it’s time we begin to shuffle through the options available in free agency.
The more potent names remain Chase Young as a draft option if he falls to the 4th pick, which is unlikely, Yannick Ngakoue and Jadeveon Clowney, who will also be on the market.
However, one new addition to the lot is former Falcons pass-rusher, Vic Beasley, who was publically released of any contractual negotiations by Atlanta’s Twitter account last week. After making it known that the team wouldn’t extend him beyond the 2019 season, it opened up the doors for other clubs, including the Giants.
Does Vic Beasley make sense for the New York Giants?
Beasley posted decent numbers last season, earning 8.0 sacks, 42 combined tackles, 12 QB hits, and two forced fumbles. One thing to like about Beasly is his health history, as he’s only missed two games in his entire career, however, he has failed to start a good chunk due to poor play.
Spotract has the pass-rusher valued at $7.3 million, which would be a very nice contract if the Giants could land him for that number. The reality is, though, that he will likely earn at least $10-12 million in free agency, and even then, the Giants would be smart to consider him on the defensive front.
With Markus Golden also up for a contract extension after reaching double-digit sacks (10.0), retaining him and adding Beasley would give the Giants two quality pass-rushers to lean on while allocating more cap-space towards the offensive line and secondary. Factor in the draft capital they are preparing to spend, and the defense could see a nice upgrade this offseason.
It could be that Beasley needs a change of scenery moving forward after spending five-seasons in Atlanta. Coming to a team led by Joe Judge, who’s preparing to maximize every player on the roster, could help him reach his potential. It’s important to note that Beasley did log 15.5 sacks in 2016, a year in which he was an All-Pro and set a benchmark for his highs. If the Giants are confident they can reunite his previous form, kicking the tires on Beasley could bd worth it.