New York Giants 2016 Free Agents: Who Stays, Who Goes?

Here’s a look at the New York Giants 2016 free agents along with my take on who the team should let go and who they should re-sign. The problem areas for the Giants are clear: defense, defense, defense.

Big Blue’s offense was among the tops in the league, despite the two duds against Philly and Minnesota and not having Victor Cruz all year. The O put the squad in the position to win, the ground game began to gel behind Pro Bowl snub Weston Richburg, rookie Ereck Flowers, and Justin Pugh. It was the defense that couldn’t hold. Surely, the organization will focus on plugging holes in the draft, but a few free agents could help out right away.

Unrestricted Free Agents:

Jason Pierre-Paul, DE (26)

2015 Cap Hit: 7M+

JPP definitely helped the Giants anemic pass rush when he returned to the defensive front, however, the hurries and the hits simply aren’t enough. The name of the game is sacks. Of the top 10 teams in sacks, only 2 aren’t in playoff contention – the Rams and Lions. JPP would absolutely have more sacks under his belt if he had 2 functioning hands. That explosion cost him more than his fingers.

LET HIM GO

POSSIBLY SIGN: Muhammad Wilkerson, Derek Wolfe, Mike Daniels, Olivier Vernon

Prince Amukamara, CB (26)

2015 Cap Hit: ~7M

The 2011 first round draft pick has only played 1 full season out of five and has only tallied more than 1 interception in one season. Seems like an easy decision, however, the market for game-changing cornerbacks is slim. Still, I believe they could get a similar level of production at a more affordable rate.

LET HIM GO

POSSIBLY SIGN: Sean Smith, Trumaine Johnson

Robert Ayers, DE (30)

2015 Cap Hit: $2,4M

Despite his excessive and ill-timed sack dances, Ayers has shown he can get to the quarterback. I don’t see him getting crazy offers from any other team – maybe the 49ers, Bills, and Falcons? Pair him with a top-level pass rusher (who has 2 functioning hands) and you could see Ayers set career highs.

RE-SIGN

Cullen Jenkins, DE/DT (34)

2015 Cap Hit: $2M

His numbers have dropped off the past two seasons and while he’s sort of emerged as a de facto leader in an otherwise leader-less clubhouse, the team could benefit from pushing their younger talent and bulk up in the draft. I don’t see any ‘name’ free agents that jump out at me, but there’s always one diamond in the rough.

LET HIM GO

Trumaine McBride, CB (30)

2015 Cap Hit: $1,5M+

After becoming somewhat of a ballhawk, McBride lost favor with Spags who opted for Trevin Wade.

LET HIM GO

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