GMEN HQ
FanSided

New York Giants: Top 27 free agent targets

By Henry Buggy

(Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
(Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 10
Next

#24 – Arizona Cardinals CB Tramon Williams

GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 10: Tramon Williams #25 of the Arizona Cardinals blocks a pass intended for Corey Davis #84 of the Tennessee Titans in the first half of the NFL game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 10: Tramon Williams #25 of the Arizona Cardinals blocks a pass intended for Corey Davis #84 of the Tennessee Titans in the first half of the NFL game at University of Phoenix Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Williams bet on himself in 2017. The 6-foot, 192-pound veteran cornerback signed a one-year deal with Arizona following a poor season with the Cleveland Browns. He earned Pro Football Focus’ top grade for an Arizona Cardinal this season.

Cornerback is not New York’s biggest need this offseason. But with questions surrounding Eli Apple and a potential position change for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, adding another top-tier corner shouldn’t be viewed as far-fetched.

The Giants will have also have a big decision to make with impending free agent cornerback Ross Cockrell, who exceeded expectations after stepping into the starting role.

#23 – San Francisco 49ers RB Carlos Hyde

HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 10: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers scores in the second quarter as he beats Andre Hal #29 of the Houston Texans to the endzone at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 10: Carlos Hyde #28 of the San Francisco 49ers scores in the second quarter as he beats Andre Hal #29 of the Houston Texans to the endzone at NRG Stadium on December 10, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

New York’s leading rusher, Orleans Darkwa, is set to test the free agent market this offseason. The Giants still have Wayne Gallman and Paul Perkins under contract in 2018, but neither player has shown the ability to be a three-down back.

Big Blue’s offensive line deserves the majority of the blame for the team’s inept ground game, but the Giants still need to add some playmakers to the backfield. While the 2018 NFL Draft is expected to be loaded with talent at the running back position, New York’s new general manager could also look to add a free agent to the team’s backfield.

Hyde, 27, is coming off a second consecutive 1,000-yard season in terms of total yards and scored a career-high eight rushing touchdowns in 2017. The G-Men scored just six rushing touchdowns as a team this past season.

#22 – Los Angeles Rams OLB/DE Connor Barwin

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Connor Barwin #98 of the Los Angeles Rams sacks Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 26, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 26: Connor Barwin #98 of the Los Angeles Rams sacks Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 26, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Barwin, 31, has played both outside linebacker and defensive end through the course of his nine-year career and continues to make an impact at both positions. After recording 34 tackles, five sacks, two tackles for a loss and a forced fumble with the Eagles in 2016, Barwin signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams.

The 6-foot-4, 255-pound pass rusher would go on to put up almost identical numbers in L.A., finishing the year with 34 tackles, five sacks, and two tackles for a loss.

The Giants need to add some rotational pass rushers to the roster this offseason. Only two players, Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon, recorded more than five sacks in 2017.

Home/NY Giants Free Agency