The New York Giants need to allocate cap space towards a multitude of different units, but the reality is, cornerback must be at the top of the list, if not alongside pass rusher and right tackle.
The cornerback market is stocked full of talent this offseason, but the best option available is Dallas Cowboys corner, Byron Jones, who’s just 27 years old. Jones is a sneaky good corner, posting fantastically low numbers in all categories. When a corner’s numbers are as simple and plain as Jones’, you know he’s locking down opposing pass-catchers, since quarterbacks aren’t throwing his way.
His 46 tackles and six passes defended don’t exactly scream “efficient.” Did I mention his zero interceptions? You might be intrigued by jones‘ 53.1% catch-rate against him, and just three touchdowns scored. He only allowed 395 yards to receiver the entire season (15 games).
Byron Jones should be the top corner available in free agency, and CBS Sports contributor Joel Corry, a former agent and salary cap expert, anticipates he’ll be one of the top earners outside of the QB position — so much so that the 27-year-old defensive back is not only likely to price his way out of Dallas but become the NFL’s new highest-paid DB.
“Anything under $16 million per year with fewer than $50 million in overall guarantees would be surprising,†Corry said. “I doubt he’s back in Dallas. I’ve thought his long-term fate with the Cowboys was sealed when (right tackle) La’el Collins signed a contract extension at the end of last preseason.â€
The New York Giants have the resourced to plug multiple holes of need:
The Giants have plenty of cap space to go out and sign Jones for $16-18 million per season, but it would put a significant dent in their allocations towards a pass rusher and tackle. Despite that concern, they could effectively invest $17 million in Jones, $20 million into a pass-rusher, and $18-20 million into a right tackle and still have $30 million left over. That would plug three positions of absolute need this offseason, turning the Giants team into a potentially competitive one.
However, knowing GM Dave Gettleman, the moves we hope they make will only come to fruition in an alternate reality.