With free agency starting in a few days, the New York Giants have plenty of work to do to clear cap space and retain some of their players hitting the market. However, one thing management guaranteed this off-season was the bolstering of offensive playmakers.
Last season, the Giants’ offense averaged 17.5 points per game, good for second to last in the NFL, just above the New York Jets. Their receivers ranked near the bottom of the league in yards of separation, and Daniel Jones’ touchdown totals resembled half of what he earned in 2019 as a rookie.
If the Giants want to have a competent offense and extract the most from Jones, who is entering his third season in the NFL, they will utilize free agency and the 2021 NFL draft to provide him with more weapons.
It was thought that WR Kenny Golladay of the Detroit Lions would be franchise tagged, but a recent report has indicated that he might hit the free-agent market, which should make him the best receiver available, given Allen Robinson is tagged by the Bears.
The Giants were connected previously to Golladay in a potential trade during the 2020 season, but nothing materialized, and he remained with Detroit. Now, ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that he could test the market as the Lions look to move forward with Jared Goff and new management.
If Kenny Golladay hits the open market I 100% believe the Giants will pursue aggressively.
They previously inquired about a trade prior to the deadline last year. He’s capable of being a WR1 and transforming the Giants’ offense paired with a playmaker at 11.
— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) March 8, 2021
What would Kenny Golladay bring to the New York Giants?
Golladay is a perfect scheme fit for Jason Garrett and his system. A 6’4†and 214-pound receiver, Golladay has the ability to dominate in man-coverage and win 50/50 matchups. Garrett loved to utilize spray fades last season, exposing man coverage.
However, they didn’t have a taller receiver who could muscle balls away from corners routinely. Tight end Evan Engram was their best player in that facet, but his drops ended up plaguing the Giants and ultimately played a part in them missing the postseason.
Golladay wouldn’t only revitalize the WR corps, but he will provide Daniel Jones with a true WR1. Jones has been doomed to a life of second-tier receivers, with Sterling Shepard offering his best weapon. While Shep is a phenomenal receiver in his own right, he doesn’t have the size or speed to be a WR1 on the outside.
The question is, how much would Kenny Golladay cost, and would it be worth it for the Giants to place a significant bid?
Personally, I think the Giants will do whatever it takes to sign “BabyTron,†who spent a majority of the 2020 season with a hip issue. He played in just five games and hauled in 20 receptions for 338 yards and two scores. He’s one-year removed from catching 65 passes for nearly 1,200 yards and 11 scores in 2019.
Having Golladay on the outside and Shep opposite, Jones would have plenty of weapons to work with, especially with running back Saquon Barkley expected to return. On paper, their offense would be upgraded, but unless the chemistry and playcalling are up to par, it won’t matter at the end of the day.