2016 NFL Free Agency: Top 10 Players The New York Giants Should Target
By Neal Lynch
We listed the five positions the New York Giants must address via free agency and – spoiler alert – they were ALL on the defensive side of the ball. That unit was among the worst in the league, so it makes sense to take the shorter, albeit more expensive, route to significant improvement by signing a playmaker or five. Previously, we gave a very broad overview of the most appealing free agents the Giants should consider. With this article, we’re shaving down the list and honing in on the players who could make an impact not just this upcoming season but for seasons to come.
10. Cordy Glenn (LT, Buffalo Bills)
2015 Cap Hit: $1,548,012
Age: 26 years old
Cordy Glenn is expected to command at least $10 million in 2016 NFL free agency and could garner as much as $13 million a year like Trent Williams did a year ago. For the Bills to remain somewhat competitive, the feeling is they have to re-sign Glenn at all costs. The only problem is they’re currently over the salary cap, but that should be alleviated when they release Mario Williams.
Cordy’s second on the Pro Football Focus list of top 10 offensive free agents and #5 on NFL.com’s top 20 unrestricted free agents. Will Beatty is one of the Giants highest cap hits in 2016 and has missed a lot of games over his career, but Glenn hasn’t missed a game the past three seasons. Would the Giants be so bold to release Beatty, take the dead cap AND sign Glenn to an eight figure annual salary? For the next five years, it’s a smart bet.
9. Mitchell Schwartz (RT, Cleveland Browns)
2015 Cap Hit: $1,645,267
Age: 26 years old
Dawg Pound Daily cited Mitchell’s performance against Super Bowl MVP Von Miller as reason alone to re-sign the right tackle, but it’s also why Schwartz will probably get more cash elsewhere. Many believe Mitchell would be a great fit for the G-Men because he’d be able to play alongside his brother, Geoff. But, Geoff apparently has mixed emotions. Normally, I’d think brothers would love the chance to fight side-by-side instead of each other, but I never had a brother. After seeing Eli Manning’s reaction to Peyton’s second Super Bowl win, maybe it’s best to keep brothers apart? Still, with all the injuries the Giants offensive line has endured, having a guy that hasn’t missed a game in his entire career has to be high on your priority list.
Next: HELP FOR ODELL