Good Morning, New York Giants Fans!
The New York Giants could be in the market for a starting free safety this offseason, considering the lackluster job Antoine Bethea did in coverage in 2019. Bethea played well against the run but struggled in the secondary, tallying six passes defended.
Bethea’s struggles spread across several categories, specifically interceptions (1 – ranking 43rd), targets (25 – ranked 50th), receptions allowed (17 – ranked 49th). Moving on from the veteran defender is not a matter of how, but when for the Giants, who are looking to bolster their defense in the coming months.
General manager Dave Gettleman did draft Julian Love out of Notre Dame, with the purpose of developing him into a hybrid cornerback. Love spent time at corner, slot corner, and free safety this past season. His frame and athleticism allow him to be a utility option on the defense, but his development didn’t prove enough to justify starting him during the 2020 campaign
Here’s one free agent safety the Giants should look into:
1.) Devin McCourty
The New England Patriots’ veteran free safety has been a consistently reliable ball-hawk for years, and featuring on one of the league’s best teams gives him the knowledge and experience to help younger players around him.
If the Pats don’t extend McCourty, the Giants should consider bidding on the 33-year-old defensive back. The 10-year veteran logged 58 combined tackles, seven passes defended and five interceptions this season, proving his worth in the final year of a five-year contract.
Injecting a proper free safety into the defense with plenty of experience would give the New York Giants the value they’re looking for while they develop Love. Devin’s mentorship would also be incredibly beneficial towards Love and the other young defensive backs.
Nonetheless–
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