When Dave Gettleman first joined the New York Giants as their general manager, he vowed to piece together the offensive line. After allocating plenty of resources towards bolstering the unit, including drafting Will Hernandez and signing left tackle Nate Solder, most thought that the front-five would see significant improvement after years of negligence.
However, after two seasons, the group has failed to break the average mark in terms of overall grading and production. Rookie quarterback, Daniel Jones, Was sacked 38 times in 12 games last season, showing their inability to play as a cohesive unit and build upon the minimal success they enjoyed in 2018. Solder essentially took a season off, grading out as one of the worst left tackles in the game (11 sacks allowed – 2nd overall, per PFF).
Moving forward, Gettleman needs to find a way to piece together the offensive line before the 2020 regular season. One option is expected free agent right tackle, Jack Conklin, who reached the postseason with the Tennessee Titans this year.
The Titans failed to pick up his fifth-year option, which opens the door for the Giants as a potential suitor. As per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, the Giants will “explore” the idea of sign in Conklin in free agency. The right tackle was a first-team All-Pro selection in his rookie campaign in 2016.
The New York Giants need to find a solution on the OL:
The Giants would likely have to allocate plenty of cap-space towards Conklin. Still, he would solidify the offensive line and allow cattleman to use the fourth overall selection in the 2020 NFL draft on a defensive player like Clemson linebacker, Isaiah Simmons. Alternatively, the draft has plenty of tackle talent that would reinforce Jones’ protection, but the defense is in pressing need of help.
As per overthecap.com, Conklin projects to earn around $8 million per season, but due to the scarcity of tackles in the NFL, we should expect to see him earn at least $15 million in free agency. The Giants have the funds with a projected $80+ million in space this off-season, so signing Conklin isn’t out of the picture.