2016 NFL Free Agency: Top 10 Players The New York Giants Should Target
By Neal Lynch
2. Danny Trevathan (LB, Denver Broncos)
2015 Cap Hit: $1,568,018
Age: 24
Confidence isn’t an issue for Danny as he claimed the ’15 Broncos defense was better than that of the ’85 Chicago Bears. Though insanely partial, John Elway echoed that sentiment, stating this season’s D was the best he’s ever seen. I was four years old when the Bears steamrolled their way to the championship and I can only base my decision upon seeing them destroy the Giants in the Divisional Round, but having seen the Broncos pummel Tom Brady and cram Cam Newton, it’s tough to argue with Trevathan.
WalterFootball.com has Danny as the third best free agent at the inside linebacker position, noting:
"“Danny Trevathan didn’t play all three downs most of the time this season, but only because Brandon Marshall is so great. Trevathan could have easily done this, as he had a great season in Wade Phillips’ system.”"
Brandon Marshall was ranked #1 on that same list, but my guess is Denver would try t0 re-sign him or franchise tag, but that would mean Von Miller might get away. The resistance to signing either Marshall or Trevathan is each played in the 3-4 under Wade Phillips, so it would be somewhat of a interesting transition to the Mike in the 4-3 scheme under Spags.
Da Windy City reported that Trevathan will surely talk with the Bears, who have the third most space under the salary cap in the league. If neither of Denver’s inside ‘backers are available, Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jerrell Freeman would be worth a serious look.
1. Malik Jackson (DE, Denver Broncos)
2015 Cap Hit: $1,595,403
Age: 26 years old
If you’ve been following us, you probably saw these top two players coming. Jackson was widely considered a Pro Bowl snub and got the #8 spot on NFL.com’s list of top unrestricted free agents.
WalterFootball placed him as the second best free agent at defensive tackle, noting:
“It’s going to be very difficult for the Broncos to afford both Derek Wolfe and Malik Jackson. Whereas Wolfe is elite versus the run and very good when rushing the passer, Malik Jackson is the opposite. Like Wolfe, Jackson is just 26, so he has a bright future ahead of him.”
With Derek Wolfe re-signed, the Broncos most likely have waved goodbye to Jackson. Malik has stated that “it’d be cool” to re-join former teammate Robert Ayers in New York.
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