The New York Giants entered the 2020 offseason with another losing campaign under their belt; however, it subsequently landed them the 4th overall pick in the NFL Draft. New head coach Joe Judge has plenty of work to do ahead of free agency and the draft, specifically regarding player evaluations to determine what positions need the most capital allocated towards them.
One of the weaker positions for the Giants last season was at free safety. General manager Dave Gettleman plugged Antoine Bethea into the spot, despite his lack of coverage skills. Bethea is a strong run-stopping safety, and he showed that when playing closer to the line of scrimmage. His only interception of the year came right behind the line of scrimmage against Dallas Cowboys’ Dak Prescott.
Replacing Bethea will be a priority for Big Blue, and there’s one free agent that could fit the bill perfectly.
Could the New York Giants pursue Devin McCourty in FA?
Judge is very familiar with McCourty, having both coached/played for the New England Patriots. The veteran defensive back would bring experience and knowledge regarding the Patriots’ ways, a culture that Judge will be looking to implement.
At 33-years-old, Devin is no spring chicken, but his 10-years of experience would prove to be valuable on defense. Having logged 58 tackles, seven passes defended, and five interceptions in 2019, he won’t come cheap by any means. Still, the Giants need to invest in the bolstering of this position, especially with the youth at cornerback.
Aside from his undeniable on-field talent, McCourty would be a mentor for the younger defenders and help install the culture Judge is bringing to New York.
Over The Cap estimates that McCourty will be valued at around $10 million per season. A two-year contract would lock him into a solidified role with Big Blue until he’s 35, the perfect amount of time for the Giants to rely on the veteran but also find a young gun to develop. They might already have that player on the roster in Julian Love, who they moved around the defense last season as a utility option.