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New York Giants: Top 27 free agent targets

By Henry Buggy

(Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
(Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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#12 – New York Jets LB Demario Davis

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 02: Inside linebacker Demario Davis #56 of the New York Jets runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on November 2, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 02: Inside linebacker Demario Davis #56 of the New York Jets runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on November 2, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Davis made the most of his second stint with Gang Green, racking up a team-high 135 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, and five sacks.

The former third-round pick out of Arkansas State has not missed a game since entering the league in 2012 and was New York’s highest graded player during the 2017 season, according to Pro Football Focus.

The G-Men need to address the linebacker position either in the draft or free agency, and Davis takes the top spot for linebackers on this list.

#11 – New England Patriots RB Dion Lewis

FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 13: Dion Lewis #33 of the New England Patriots carries the ball in the second quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 13: Dion Lewis #33 of the New England Patriots carries the ball in the second quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

The Giants need to add some power to their backfield in 2018, but that doesn’t mean Gettleman shouldn’t entertain the idea of signing Lewis in free agency.

New England’s 5-foot-8, 195-pound running back has been a Swiss Army Knife for the Patriots in recent seasons, making plays on the ground, as a receiver, and in special teams.

Lewis was New England’s third highest graded offensive player in 2017, trailing only quarterback Tom Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski.

In 16 games played during the regular season, Lewis amassed 896 rushing yards, 214 receiving yards, and scored nine touchdowns. Some Giants fans may be skeptical of signing Lewis given Shane Vereen’s tenure with Big Blue, but then again, Vereen never rushed for plus 400 yards in a season with either New York or New England.

#10 – Los Angeles Rams FS Lamarcus Joyner

GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 03: Free safety Lamarcus Joyner #20 of the Los Angeles Rams runs with the football after an interception ahead of wide receiver J.J. Nelson #14 of the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 03: Free safety Lamarcus Joyner #20 of the Los Angeles Rams runs with the football after an interception ahead of wide receiver J.J. Nelson #14 of the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Only two safeties make this list given Big Blue’s top needs, but Joyner had to crack the top ten after an incredible year in 2017. The Rams 5-foot-8, 190-pound free safety recorded 49 tackles, nine passes defended, three interceptions, and scored one defensive touchdown in 12 games played.

Pro Football Focus gave Joyner the third highest grade on Los Angeles’ roster, placing him behind only MVP candidates Aaron Donald and Todd Gurley.

The Giants are unlikely to spend big money in the secondary this offseason, but picturing Joyner alongside Landon Collins at the backend of Big Blue’s defense would be a scary sight for opposing offenses.

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