4 veterans NY Giants should replace in 2021 NFL Draft
The NY Giants have plenty of needs to fill on both sides of the ball, with limited cap space to do so, but could replace several high-priced veterans during the 2021 NFL Draft
The NY Giants came one game shy of reaching the NFL Playoffs for the first time in four years and second in nine last season, and as the organization continues to rebuild several high-priced veterans might have played their final game in East Rutherford with cheaper and potentially higher-upside options available in the NFL Draft.
After an offense averages just 17.1 points per game in the modern NFL, the mission statement must be adding explosiveness to the offense. Likewise, even with a burgeoning defense, upgrades at outside cornerback, linebacker, and pass-rusher are necessary for Patrick Graham‘s group to take another step towards becoming one of the league’s elite defenses.
As things currently stand, the NY Giants sit just $1 million under the current salary cap floor with plenty of holes to fill. Given the strength of the NFL Draft at several notable positions of need on the Giants‘ roster, and the price tag carried by some veterans, this could be the perfect confluence of value meeting need in April’s Draft.
Here’s a look at four veterans the NY Giants could replace during the 2021 NFL Draft, in an effort to trim cap space and possibly even upgrade key positions on the roster:
4) OLB Kyler Fackrell
Fackrell is set to become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins on March 17, after signing a one-year contract with the Giants last spring.
In his first season in a Giants uniform, Fackrell started off like gangbusters as one of Patrick Graham’s most productive pass-rushers, producing three sacks in the first six weeks of the season, before nagging injuries began to take their toll down the stretch. The 29-year-old Fackrell finished the season with 34 total tackles, four sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception that he returned for a touchdown in 12 games.
Given that the Giants currently have less than $1 million in spending flexibility under the current salary cap floor of $180 million — that has the potential to rise pending the outcome of ongoing negotiations between the NFL and NFLPA — Fackrell is seemingly a luxury for the defense rather than a need.
The Giants have invested draft capital in edge rushers over the past four seasons (Lorenzo Carter, Oshane Ximines, Tae Crowder), and would be wise to continue that trend, perhaps as early as the first two rounds of April’s NFL Draft.
Possible NFL Draft targets:
Kwity Paye (Michigan), Jayson Oweh (Penn State), Gregory Rousseau (Miami), Shaka Toney (Penn State)