New York Giants: Top 27 free agent targets

Big Blue fans are looking ahead to the 2018 NFL Draft with the franchise’s highest pick in over three decades, but New York will first have to address their roster issues in free agency.

The New York Giants and newly appointed general manager Dave Gettleman are currently seeking the organization’s next head coach, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t planning for the start of free agency in less than two months.

The G-Men have some significant personnel decisions to make this offseason with 20 impending free agents. Gettleman made his plans for both free agency and the draft clear during an interview with WFAN earlier this month, via New York’s team website.

"“The whole purpose of free agency is to set up your draft. In the ideal world, you never go into a draft saying I’ve got to have a [fill in the blank] – whatever that ‘a’ is. You don’t want to be in that spot because now you’re shopping hungry. So we’ll use free agency. There’s always the trade route. There’s always the waiver wires. So you’ve got to do your film work. It’s not pretty, it’s not easy, but you’ve got to get it done. That’s what you do.”"

While retaining players like Justin Pugh, Weston Richburg, Devon Kennard, and Orleans Darkwa should be a priority, Big Blue’s general manager will not be able to keep all of New York’s top free agents while still adding new talent to the roster.

The Giants are currently slated to have just under $23 million in cap space this offseason, placing them 20 out of 32 teams, according to Spotrac. The G-Men and other franchises will look to clear cap space in the coming months by cutting players, which in turn will add more talent to the free agent market.

Many of the biggest names scheduled for free agency will re-sign with their current teams or will be placed under the franchise tag. Big Blue is unlikely to sign multiple notable free agents this offseason, but adding one or two key players, especially along the offensive line, could prove to be a difference maker in 2018.

Here’s a closer look at the top 27 free agent targets for the New York Giants based on talent and the team’s biggest needs.

#27 – Jacksonville Jaguars LB Paul Posluszny

The G-Men have lacked stability and leadership at the linebacker position. Posluszny will be entering his 12th season in 2018 but is still an impact playmaker at middle linebacker.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Posluszny is expected to require surgery for a core muscle injury this offseason. The former second-round pick out of Penn State recorded 61 tackles and six tackles for a loss during the regular season. Despite turning 33-years-old during the 2017 season, Posluszny is still effective against the run and in pass coverage.

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nigel Bradham could have also taken this spot, but Posluszny is arguably the more well-rounded free agent.

#26 – Atlanta Falcons K Matt Bryant

Big Blue elected not to re-sign Robbie Gould after the 2016 season and instead gave the job to an unproven Aldrick Rosas. The Giants would go on to finish the year with the league’s second worst field goal percentage with Rosas making just 72 percent of his field goal attempts.

While the G-Men are unlikely to spend big money on a kicker this offseason, they should still look for an upgrade at the position. Could Big Blue entice Bryant in a return to New York?

The Falcons 42-year-old kicker is coming off another tremendous season in which he nailed 87.2 percent of his field goal attempts. He also went 8-for-9 on field goals of 50-yards or more.

Bryant is the only kicker to make this list, but Graham Gano, Ryan Succop, Sebastian Janikowski, Cairo Santos, Chandler Catanzaro, and Caleb Sturgis are some of the notable kickers scheduled for free agency this offseason.

#25 – Washington Redskins OLB Trent Murphy

Murphy missed the entire 2017 season after suffering a torn ACL during the preseason. The 6-foot-6, 259-pound outside linebacker may not be the ideal fit as a 4-3 defensive end, but he would add another valuable pass rusher to New York’s front-seven.

Murphy, 27, was coming off a career-year in 2016, recording 47 tackles, nine sacks, six tackles for a loss, and three forced fumbles. It’s unknown how Murphy’s season-ending injury will impact his value on the free agent market. But if he’s willing to take a prove-it one-year deal, multiple teams will likely be interested.

#24 – Arizona Cardinals CB Tramon Williams

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

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

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.

#21 – Kansas City Chiefs C Zach Fulton

If the Giants are unable to retain Richburg in free agency, Gettleman may look to add another center to the roster either in the draft or free agency. In GMEN HQ’s seven-round mock draft, Big Blue selected Ohio State center Billy Price to replace Richburg.

There’s no guarantee the Giants will be able to get one of the top centers in the draft, making Fulton a potential free agent target. The 6-foot-5, 316-pound center has experience playing both guard and center and has started 26 games over the past two season in Kansas City, which includes two playoff games.

The former sixth-round pick out of Tennessee has shown improvement through his first four seasons and could compete for a starting role at either guard or center.

#20 – Oakland Raiders LB NaVorro Bowman

Bowman joined the Silver and Black midway through October and still finished the 2017 season with a team-high 89 tackles. The 29-year-old middle linebacker is sure to garner plenty of interest this offseason despite a history of devastating injuries.

The longtime 49ers linebacker returned to form in 2017, recording a combined 127 tackles, six tackles for a loss, three passes defended, 1.5 sacks, and an interception. The Giants have not had a veteran leader at the middle linebacker position since Antonio Pierce retired after the 2009 season.

Bowman was Oakland’s second highest graded defensive player in 2017, trailing only Khalil Mack, according to Pro Football Focus.

#19 – Los Angeles Chargers FS Tre Boston

The G-Men seem confident moving forward with Darian Thompson at the free safety position, but that doesn’t mean New York shouldn’t entertain the idea of bringing in competition this offseason.

Boston is coming off a career-season on a one-year deal with the Chargers, recording career-highs in tackles (79), passes defended (8), and interceptions (5).

Gettleman selected the 6-foot-1, 205-pound safety in the fourth-round of the 2014 draft, but the Panthers elected to part ways with Boston after just three seasons.

#18 – Chicago Bears CB Kyle Fuller

Fuller is coming off a breakout season after missing all of 2016 with a knee injury. The Bears 2014 first-round pick recorded 69 tackles, two interceptions, and knocked down a team-high 22 passes this season.

Chicago is expected to make the 25-year-old cornerback a priority this offseason, but multiple teams will have interest in his services if he hits the open market. The Giants are unlikely to match Fuller’s offers, but his talent and New York’s need at the cornerback position puts him at No. 18 on this list.

#17 – San Francisco 49ers OG Brandon Fusco

Fusco started all 16 games in his sole season with the 49ers and is likely to test the market again in 2018. The 6-foot-4, 306-pound guard has started in 80 games through the course of his seven-year career.

The Giants have plenty of questions to answer along the offensive line, and Fusco could be a potential free agent target for Big Blue depending on his price. Retaining Pugh will likely be considered New York’s top priority at the guard position, but if the G-Men were to lose their top offensive lineman in free agency, Fusco could potentially fill the void.

#16 – Dallas Cowboys DE DeMarcus Lawrence

The Cowboys are highly unlikely to let Lawrence test free agency following a breakout campaign in 2017, but this list wouldn’t be complete if Dallas’ sack leader were to somehow hit the open market.

The Cowboys former second-round pick has amassed 23.5 sacks, 19 tackles for a loss, and six forced fumbles through his first four seasons.

Pierre-Paul and Vernon’s contracts would likely force New York’s front office to pass on the 6-foot-3, 265-pound defensive end even if Dallas elected not to place the franchise tag on him. But it also has to be remembered that Big Blue’s last two Super Bowls came when the franchise had at least three dominant pass rushers.

#15 – Tennessee Titans OG Josh Kline

The G-Men will have to spend big money to re-sign Pugh in free agency, and Gettleman also faces a tough decision with guard John Jerry due to his opt-out clause. Jerry, 31, was arguably New York’s most consistent offensive lineman in 2017, starting all 16 games for a second consecutive season.

It’s no secret changes are coming to Big Blue’s offensive line this offseason, but the free agent market is not expected to be stacked with talented offensive linemen. Kline will likely be considered one of the top free agent guards to hit the market after starting 32 games over the past two seasons in Tennessee.

The Titans claimed the 6-foot-5, 300-pound veteran off waivers after starting 13 games for the Patriots in 2015. Kline, 28, has improved his play over the past two seasons and could be a potential replacement for Pugh or Jerry if needed.

#14 – Tennessee Titans LB Avery Williamson

Williamson has started in 61 games since entering the league as a fifth-round pick in 2014. The 6-foot-1, 246-pound linebacker is coming off another productive season, recording 92 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and four tackles for a loss.

Williamson, 25, would bring some much-needed stability to Big Blue’s linebacking corps. The Giants started seven different linebackers throughout the 2017 season, and the position group is clearly the franchise’s most glaring hole on the defensive side of the ball.

#13 –  Baltimore Ravens C Ryan Jensen

Jensen was impressive in his first full season as Baltimore’s starting center. The 6-foot-4, 319-pound center will be a priority for the Ravens this offseason, but it sounds as though he is ready to test free agency, via Baltimore’s team website.

"“It’s been an awesome five years and I hope to be back here, but I’m going to see where life takes me. I’m going to go with the ebbs and flows of life.”"

The former sixth-round pick out Colorado State-Pueblo graded out as a top 10 center in 2017, according to Pro Football Focus. The Giants may need to find a replacement for Richburg, but Jensen could potentially cost more in free agency given his breakout season.

#12 – New York Jets LB Demario Davis

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

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

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.

#9 – Atlanta Falcons DE Adrian Clayborn

Clayborn is coming off his best season in a contract year. The 6-foot-3, 280-pound defensive end recorded a career-high 9.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2017.

The former first-round pick out Iowa has struggled with injuries through his first seven seasons but will likely still garner plenty of interest in free agency this offseason.

Pierre-Paul led New York’s pass rush with a team-high eight sacks this season, but the Giants lacked depth at the defensive end position. Adding Clayborn to Vernon and JPP would give New York three dynamic pass rushers, but it’s unknown how much Big Blue is willing to spend on the position.

#8 – New England Patriots OT Cameron Fleming

The Giants will still need to add talent to the tackle position both in free agency and in the draft even if they elect to pick up Ereck Flowers’ fifth-year option.

Fleming could be an intriguing free agent target for Big Blue due to his potential price and ability to play both left and right tackle. Fleming took over the starting right tackle role for New England following Marcus Cannon’s season-ending injury.

The 6-foot-6, 320-pound offensive lineman ranks among the top 30 offensive tackles in 2017, placing him more than 20 spots ahead of Flowers, according to Pro Football Focus. Fleming, 25, has started in 20 games through his first four seasons.

#7 – Los Angeles Rams CB Trumaine Johnson

The Rams top concern this offseason will likely be locking up Aaron Donald on a long-term contract, but Johnson and Joyner will also both be at the top of general manager Les Snead’s priorities.

NFL Network’s Gregg Rosenthal lists Johnson as the 13th best overall free agent.

The Giants snagged former Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins in free agency in 2016, and pairing Johnson with Jenkins in New York could give Big Blue one of the league’s best secondaries. But it’s unlikely Gettleman will spend top dollar on a free agent cornerback addition.

Through six seasons, Johnson has amassed 328 tackles, 67 passes defended, 18 interceptions, nine tackles for a loss, and two forced fumbles.

#6 – Detroit Lions DE Ezekiel Ansah

The Lions would be foolish to let their best pass rusher walk in free agency. Despite dealing with ankle, back, and knee injuries in 2017, Ansah still recorded 12 sacks, three tackles for a loss, and one forced fumble.

He will likely be considered the top free agent pass rusher along with Lawrence but has been more consistent than the Cowboys star defensive end.

The Lions former first-round pick out of BYU has racked up 207 tackles, 44 sacks, 20 tackles for a loss, and 10 forced fumbles in just five seasons.

#5 – New England Patriots CB Malcolm Butler

While Butler will always be remembered for his interception in Super Bowl XLIX, the Patriots 5-foot-11, 190-pound cornerback has been one of New England’s most consistent players over the past three seasons.

The undrafted corner out of West Alabama is coming off another productive year in New England and is looking to add a third Super Bowl ring to his resume. Butler recorded 60 tackles, 12 passes defended, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles during the regular season.

He is sure to draw plenty of interest around the league and may be the best cornerback to hit free agency this offseason.

#4 – Los Angeles Rams C John Sullivan

Rams left tackle Andrew Whitworth received plenty of praise for Los Angeles’ turnaround in 2017, but Sullivan also played a big factor in the team’s offensive line improvement.

The nine-year veteran signed a one-year deal with the Rams in free agency and would go on to start 15 regular season games and the team’s playoff loss to Atlanta.

Sullivan, 32, has started in 109 games since entering the league in 2008 and should be considered one of the top free agent centers alongside Richburg and Jensen this offseason.

#3 – Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell

The Steelers are reportedly expected to place the franchise tag on Bell again in 2018. Pittsburgh’s dual-threat running back has said he would consider sitting out the season if tagged again, but that doesn’t seem to be changing the franchise’s impending decision.

While Bell and Jimmy Garoppolo are likely the top two free agent candidates to remain with their current teams in 2018, many Giants fans would love to see Bell in Big Blue’s backfield.

The two-time First-Team All-Pro is coming off a second consecutive 1,200-yard plus rushing season and posted over 600 yards receiving for the third time in his career. The chances of Bell landing in New York is likely slim to none, but there’s no way this list would be complete without No.  26.

#2 – Carolina Panthers OG Andrew Norwell

Norwell could have easily taken the top spot on this list and could make plenty of sense for Big Blue. The Giants have to decide whether they want to spend top dollar on Pugh in free agency, and Gettleman could decide Norwell is the better option for the franchise moving forward.

Norwell, 26, was signed by Gettleman as an undrafted free agent in 2014 and just earned First-Team All-Pro honors for his play this season. The 6-foot-6, 325-pound left guard has not missed a game over the past two seasons and didn’t allow a sack or a hit on the quarterback in 2017, according to Pro Football Focus.

Norwell was also Pro Football Focus’ top-graded pass blocking guard in 2017 and still finished in the top 10 among run-blocking guards. The former Ohio State Buckeye should be considered one of the top targets in free agency and would likely be an upgrade if signed over Pugh.

#1 – New England Patriots OT Nate Solder

Is Solder the best available free agent? No, but he will be the best offensive tackle on the market barring a shocking release.

The 29-year-old left tackle has started in over 95 games for New England and has been a key factor in Tom Brady’s longevity. Solder, a former first-round pick, is sure to garner plenty of attention in free agency and could be exactly what Big Blue needs this offseason.

It’s unknown if the Giants would be able to sign both Solder and Pugh or both Solder and Norwell, but either pairing could vastly improve New York’s offensive line in 2018. If the G-Men could somehow land Solder in free agency, then they would finally get a chance to play Flowers at right tackle.

The signing would also allow Gettleman to focus on other positions in the draft, while still adding a developmental tackle that can learn behind a proven veteran. The Giants biggest weakness for the past few seasons has been the offensive tackle position, making Solder the top target for Big Blue.

Next: Top 25 Draft Targets For Big Blue