The New York Giants might need to search for bargains in free agency this offseason, but several players with ties to Brian Daboll could be ideal fits
The New York Giants officially announced Brian Daboll as the team’s new head coach Friday night, completing a sweeping housecleaning of the front office and coaching staff this offseason.
Daboll, 46, replaces Joe Judge who was fired earlier this month and inherits a roster that has suffered through double-digit loss seasons each of the past five years.
Alongside new Giants general manager Joe Schoen, whom Daboll worked with during their time with the Buffalo Bills where he served as the offensive coordinator the past four seasons, New York’s new power duo will begin the process of an overdue rebuild.
But, because the New York Giants are currently $5 million over the salary cap, the organization might need to look for bargains in free agency. Finding players with experience in Daboll’s system could expedite a turnaround in East Rutherford.
Here are four Buffalo Bills players, with ties to Brian Daboll, who the New York Giants could target in free agency this offseason:
Mitchell Trubisky, QB
This past season, Mike Glennon and Jake Fromm underscored the value of having a competent backup quarterback, and the New York Giants paid a dire price when they each were forced into action down the stretch.
Not only would Trubisky arrive as a veteran mentor to Daniel Jones, intimately familiar with Daboll’s system, but he has the experience to play at a high level if pressed into action.
Trubisky has passed for 10,652 yards with 64 touchdowns to 38 interceptions in 57 career games, after being chosen by the Chicago Bears with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
While Trubisky made the postseason only once with the Bears, he could benefit from the continuity of spending another season with Daboll. At age 27, Trubisky is might still have some upside if called upon.
Given Trubisky’s experience and first-round pedigree, he would bring significant value to the Giants’ quarterback room and Jones’ development while also being a possible hedge for the future if Jones fails to make the leap in 2022.
Isaiah McKenzie, WR
If the New York Giants are going to build an offense around Daniel Jones, and what he does best, continuing to add weapons will be paramount.
Likewise, given the New York Giants’ cap constraints, currently sitting $5 million over the salary cap, finding bargains on the open market and players with ties to Daboll could be a win-win for the organization … and for Jones.
McKenzie was one of the Bills’ special teams standouts, in addition to being a contributor at wide receiver, catching 20 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown, while averaging 8.9 yards per reception. in his four seasons in Buffalo, McKenzie produced 95 receptions for 893 yards and seven touchdowns in 53 games.
Reuniting with Daboll, McKenzie could emerge as the New York Giants No. 3 or No. 4 wide receiver, behind Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney.
Bobby Hart, OG
Bobby Hart woefully underperformed during his first three seasons with the New York Giants from 2015-2017, after being chosen in the seventh-round of the 2015 NFL Draft, but has markedly improved playing under Daboll in Buffalo.
This past season, Hart only allowed two sacks and nine quarterback pressures in 102 snaps.
It is no secret that Schoen and Daboll’s primary task is rebuilding the offensive line in front of Jones and running back Saquon Barkley. Left tackle Andrew Thomas might be the only player earmarked for a starting role in 2022.
Bringing Hart back, at minimum gives Daboll a veteran presence along the offensive line familiar with his scheme, but the 27-year-old could also be an insurance policy should the New York Giants miss out on one of the top interior linemen in the NFL Draft or any incoming rookie not be ready to start immediately.
Ryan Bates, OT
Adding depth along the offensive line is going to be a top priority for Schoen, Daboll, and the New York Giants, and Ryan Bates has starting caliber upside at offensive tackle.
In all likelihood, the New York Giants are going to target one of the top offensive tackles in this year’s draft class with one of their two top-10 selections, but Ryan Bates finished this season strong and could push for an immediate starting role.
Last season, Bates produced a career-high 74.5 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, while allowing only three quarterback pressures in 294 offensive snaps.
There’s a chance that the Bills will overpay to keep Bates in Western New York, but if he somehow hits the open market, Schoen and Daboll should put on the full-court press to sign the former Penn State offensive lineman as a possible bookend to Andrew Thomas.