New York Giants: Top 10 needs after FA signings, trades
By Henry Buggy
New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman has made some significant personnel changes since taking over in late December.
Big Blue has moved on from Justin Pugh, Weston Richburg, Jason Pierre-Paul, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Devon Kennard, Brad Wing, and Dwayne Harris over the past month. Despite the loss of five starters and a punter, the New York Giants have arguably improved since the start of free agency.
The G-Men have acquired a former second-team All-Pro in Alec Ogletree and landed the top left tackle on the free agent market, Nate Solder. Gettleman has also addressed New York’s lack of depth following an injury-plagued season.
The Giants have added depth to their secondary with the signings of B.W. Webb, Curtis Riley, and Teddy Williams. Big Blue’s new general manager signed a special teams ace and potential free safety starter in Michael Thomas. He also inked two of James Bettcher’s former players, Kareem Martin and Josh Mauro.
On the offensive side of the ball, the signing of Patrick Omameh gives New York some much-needed competition at the guard position. Cody Latimer will likely help Big Blue on special teams, but he also gives the coaching staff another offensive weapon when needed.
The Giants have moved up three spots on ESPN’s Powers Rankings since the start of free agency, but they still rank 27th out of 32 NFL franchises.
There’s still plenty of work to be done. Gettleman may look to add a couple more pieces to the roster ahead of the 2018 NFL Draft, but Big Blue currently has less than $5 million in cap space for the upcoming season, according to Over the Cap.
The G-Men will need close to $10 million in cap space to sign their six draft picks. Gettleman will have to clear cap space one way or another.
Brandon Marshall could still be on the chopping block. He has yet to pass his physical after spending the majority of his first season with the franchise on injured reserve.
The Giants still have multiple needs to address. Gettleman will certainly look to target some of New York’s biggest holes in the upcoming draft.
Here’s a look at Big Blue’s top 10 needs following their free agent signings and trades.