As former New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins signed with the Washington Redskins, an NFC East rival, the front-office has yet to make any free agent moves.
With record-breaking contracts being set left and right in a deep FA class, the Giants have sat idly by while the big names drop off the board. With only about $27 million in cap space, general manager Dave Gettleman has to be careful with where he invests his money.
Now, there are always ways to maneuver around the salary cap – backloading contract, signing bonuses, etc. I expect the Giants to make some moves int he coming days, but they likely won’t participate in the record-breaking deals they enjoyed just one year ago with left tackle, Nate Solder.
Here are three players the New York Giants are targetting:
1.) Adrian Amos
Most feel as though Amos would be a great fit with the Giants. He’s a similar player to Collins but has a bit more skill in coverage. According to sources, there’s a robust market developing around the Chicago safety, which should see him command big money.
The Giants don’t have much in terms of capital, so it wouldn’t be out of this world for the team to pass on him and look towards the secondary market. The most I can see Gettleman offering is three-years, $24 million with a majority of the money coming on the back-end.
2.) Preston Smith
While Collins went to Washington, it’s possible Smith comes to New York. The linebacker would be a great fit for the Giants int he 3-4 scheme. His abilities match up with exactly Better’s mindset towards aggressive linebackers that rush the passer.
Smith recorded 53 combined tackles and four sacks in 2018, standing out as an edge rusher throughout the season. He will also command solid money, so grabbing him might be difficult as well.
3.) Daryl Williams
Williams wasn’t one of the big free agent names that made headlines on Monday. His name slipped through the cracks while the big defenders were plucked off the board.
The Giants have been heavily linked to the Carolina right tackle, especially after the trading of right guard Kevin Zeitler. Solidifying the right side will be a priority as the NFC East has begun bolstering their defenses significantly during the legal tampering window.
The six-year veteran will likely earn a solid payday – somewhere in the $12-14 million-per-season range. A hefty price to pay, which could cause Gettleman to drop out of the race.