The New York Giants started off free agency with a bang on Monday, franchise tagging Leonard Williams with the expectation of a multi-year deal, signing cornerback James Bradberry, linebacker Blake Martinez, and tight end Levine Toilolo.
Williams, who was acquired from the Jets in week eight of the 2019 regular season for a 3rd and 5th round pick, plugs a void in the trenches. As a stout run stopper and double-team attraction (64% of the time last season), the Giants can now be confident they will stop the run at a high level moving forward.
Bradberry, who was formerly drafted by Dave Gettleman in 2016, was one of the top corners on the market. The Giants landed him on a three-year, $45 million deal with $32 million guaranteed. His ability to man-mark opposing WR1s is what Big Blue needed, and at 26 years old, they have the leverage to move on in two years on a low dead-cap hit if need be. Bradberry comes to New York boasting a 44.2% completion percentage in 2018 and 59.8% in 2019.
Dave Gettleman also elected to unload a three-year, $30 million deal on Blake Martinez, who’s a tackling machine, logging 155 combined tackles in 2019. In coverage, Martinez can be a liability, but he’s a traditional MIKE MLB who can soak up tackles and plug holes in the run game with his size. As an average athlete, Blake is a smart player who takes minimal risks, ensuring he’s in the right place to clean up plays.
FOLLOW THE FREE AGENCY TRACKER HERE!
What are the New York Giants’ plans in the draft?
After solidifying the interior defensive line, linebacker position, and cornerback spot, we can make the educated guess that offensive tackle is going to be a priority with the 4th overall pick. This is a great move, even if it means passing on Isaiah Simmons.
Providing Saquon Barkley with more running lanes and Daniel Jones with more time in the pocket are two essentials moving forward, and drafting a tackle reinforces that reality. The Giants didn’t seem interested in gauging the OT market, passing on options like Jack Conklin, George Fant, and more.
There are fantastic offensive tackle prospects in the 2020 draft, including Jedrick Wills, Andrew Thomas, Tristan Wirfs, and Mekhi Becton.