NFL rumors: Free agent targets to help NY Giants’ defense reach next level

The NY Giants’ defense was their strength this year – but how do they take the unit to the next level? Already full of young players bursting with potential, these free agents could help the unit get even better.

Last season, the NY Giants’ defense went from an abomination to the team’s backbone. After continuously being the reason for the season(s) of losing, the group became one that struck fear into their opponents, now, general manager Dave Gettleman has the opportunity to add top tier NFL free agents to elevate its play even higher.

Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham deserves credit for the unit’s significant improvements – but so do the players that made it happen. An assortment of players had the best season of their career in 2020 – Leonard Williams, Blake Martinez and James Bradberry to name a few.

The team’s defense has a great collection of varying talents – young players like Tae Crowder and Xavier McKinney meshing with veterans like Martinez and Logan Ryan. It’s a mix that can allow the defense to be dominant for years to come if they continue to improve.

One thing we learned this year is that while the defense was better than it’s been in years for the Giants, it’s still not good enough for Graham and his staff. He’s been encouraged, but he’s certainly not satisfied.

So how can the Giants defense take that next step to becoming one of the league’s premier units? They have to improve their weak spots this offseason.

While the defense was strong overall, glaring weaknesses shown through on multiple occasions. The inability to find a quality corner to oppose James Bradberry, an edge rusher to go along with one of the league’s top interior defensive lines, and depth at the linebacker position looming as question marks.

General manager Dave Gettleman prefers to build through the draft, and that’s the right way to do it – but free agency can help fill holes on positions that need immediate help. Without the free agent acquisitions of Martinez and Bradberry, who knows what this defense would’ve looked like this year.

As the team enters an all-important off-season, Gettleman and Judge will try to piece together a sophomore version of their impressive rookie off-season together. Here are some free agents that can help them take their defense – and team – to the next level.

Haason Reddick

The last time Haason Reddick visited MetLife Stadium he destroyed the Giants’ offensive game plan, ending the day with five sacks and 3 forced fumbles – video game numbers. After three seasons of not living up to his draft status, the Arizona Cardinals finally unlocked Reddick’s potential last season. The former Temple Owl bolstered a powerful stat line – 12.5 sacks and 6 forced fumbles to lead his defense. The addition of Reddick to the Giants’ defense would give them a 26 year old pass rusher who’s just entered the prime of his career. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph helped unlock Reddick’s potential, but Graham can help take him to the next level. Reddick could be everything that the Giants thought they were getting when they signed Olivier Vernon in 2016.

Yannick Ngakoue

Last offseason, Ngakoue requested a trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars that sent fanbases into a frenzy. After being traded to Minnesota, he would once again be traded – this time to the Baltimore Ravens. Even though he had to learn two defensive systems in one season and suffered a mid-season change of scenery during a pandemic, Ngakoue still put up 8 sacks spread across the season. His asking price might’ve taken a hit, but the former third round pick is still stacked with potential. The 2017 pro bowler is also good against the run, something that would be music to Gettleman’s ears. After a relatively quiet season, Ngakoue could make some noise along the Giants’ defensive line next season.

Shaquil Barrett

Arguably the best option of the three, the Buccaneers are preparing to play in the Super Bowl this year not just because of Tom Brady, but their ferocious defense. Registering 19.5 sacks in 2019, Barrett makes the opposing quarterbacks lives nightmares throughout a game. After signing a one year deal to little fanfare, Barrett has gone on to become one of the league’s premier talents at the position. It remains to be seen whether the Buccaneers will utilize their franchise tag on him or stud receiver Chris Godwin, but whichever one isn’t resigning by them should be high on the Giants’ priority list.