NFL Free Agents The Giants Should Target
By Neal Lynch
DEFENSIVE LINE
Muhammad Wilkerson (DE, New York Jets)
2015 Cap Hit: $6,969,000
- 26 years old
- 12 sacks, 64 tackles (39 solo), 2 forced fumbles in 2015
Wilkerson was having a career year that will land him a spot on the Pro Bowl roster plus a huge payday then he broke the fibula in his right leg. Good news is he had successful surgery this past week. Muhammad has played in 77 games, starting 75. In those games, 36.5 sacks and 10 forced fumbles. Big man was rated as the third best defensive free agent by Pro Football Focus and the #3 top unrestricted free agent by NFL.com.
Derek Wolfe (DE, Denver Broncos)
2015 Cap Hit: $1,397,881
- 25 years old
- 49 tackles (35 solo), 5.5 sacks in 2015
In late July of 2015, Wolfe was suspended 4 games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy. He apologized and bounced back to have an impressive 12-game season. The Denver Post reported that both Wolfe and the Broncos’ other bookend Malik Jackson want to re-sign with Denver, but may not get what they’re asking for, leaving one to go elsewhere. The Broncos have reached out to Derek about a new contract. UPDATE (1/15/16): WOLFE SIGNED $36 MILLION EXTENSION WITH DENVER.
Malik Jackson (DE, Denver Broncos)
2015 Cap Hit: $1,595,403
- 25 years old (turning 26 on 1/11)
- 45 tackles (34 solo), 5 sacks, 1 safety, 2 fumble recoveries in 2015
Malik had 24 starts in 62 games, 14.5 sacks, 108 solo tackles and 17 passes defended in his four-year career. Malik typically leads the league in batting down passes, which is a tremendous help to those in coverage. Jackson was widely considered a Pro Bowl snub and got the #8 spot on NFL.com’s list of top unrestricted free agents.
Olivier Vernon (DE, Miami Dolphins)
2015 Cap Hit: $1,701,520
- 25 years old
- 61 tackles (41 solo), 7.5 sacks in 2015
Miami Dolphins beat writer, Chris Perkins, highly doubts the team will be able to sign Olivier Vernon. Played in 64 games, starting 46 of them. In his four-year career, tallied 29 sacks and averages about 35-40 tackles a year. I can think of 7-8 plays in 5-6 games in 2015 where the Giants could’ve used a sack.
William Hayes (DE, St. Louis Rams)
2015 Cap Hit: $4,480,000
- 30 years old
- 53 tackles (36 solo), 5.5 sacks in 2015
Though Hayes adamantly denies that dinosaurs existed, the 2008 fourth round draft pick by Tennessee had some monster games this past season. In the last four seasons with St. Louis, Hayes collected 21.5 sacks and 119 tackles in 62 games (20 of them starts).
Mario Williams (DE, Buffalo Bills)
2015 Cap Hit: $16,500,000
- 30 years old (will be 31 January 31st)
- 19 tackles (15 solo), 5 sacks in 2015
The Bills reported that Super Mario would be cut in the offseason. The former #1 overall pick had a down season, but you can’t ignore 96 career sacks, 16 forced fumbles and 300+ tackles in 10 years. The four-time Pro Bowler has a career approximate value of 82, which is on par with Lee Roy Selmon, Howie Long, and Dexter Manley.
Vinny Curry (DE, Philadelphia Eagles)
2015 Cap Hit: $1,076,038
- 27 years old
The Eagles had a disappointing season in 2015 and expect “huge turnover” in the offseason. Though the grades for their defense weren’t good, Philly is still trying to re-sign Curry, but signs are pointing to Vinny landing up the turnpike. Played in 52 games, 0 starts. 16.5 career sacks in 4 seasons. He did have 9 sacks with 4 forced fumbles in 2014. There’s been buzz and support for getting Curry, but I don’t see the appeal.
UPDATE (2/3/16): Curry re-signed with the Eagles.
Jaye Howard (DT, Kansas City Chiefs)
2015 Cap Hit: $660,000
- 27 years old
- 57 tackles (36 solo), 5.5 sacks in 2015
Howard had his best season last year and might be on the verge of a breakout campaign.
Ian Williams (DT, San Francisco 49ers)
2015 Cap Hit: $1,495,834
- 26 years old
- 65 tackles (45 solo) in 2015
Ian started all 16 games this past season, the first time in his five-year career. Pair him with Hankins and you’ve got a tough interior to run on. His 65 combined tackles placed him 7th in the league among defensive linemen.
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