New York Giants offseason primer: NFL Draft needs, free agent notes, more

Who might the New York Giants target in free agency?

QB Mitchell Trubisky

Trubisky is an ideal fit for the New York Giants, who will need to go shopping this offseason for a veteran backup.

In addition to having knowledge of and experience in Daboll’s system in Buffalo, Trubisky also has starting experience and the pedigree of being a former first-round pick. At minimum, Trubisky would be a valuable voice in the New York Giants’ quarterback room helping Jones get up to speed in a new scheme, but he also could step in without the offense missing a beat if Jones goes down.

LB Kyzier White

Linebacker, and edge rusher, remains a top priority for the New York Giants this offseason. White is a thumper, a solid run-stopper, and is capable of rushing the passer, as well.

Last season, White produced 145 total tackles with one sack, en-route to a 66.5 overall grade and 73 pass-rush mark from Pro Football Focus. The Giants’ interest in White probably hinges on whether the organization brings back Blake Martinez and if Martinez is fully-healthy next season, but he has the skill-set to thrive in Martindale’s blitz-heavy scheme.

OT Ryan Bates

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 if Schoen goes in a different direction and opts to add a veteran, instead.

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.

LB Leighton Vander Esch

Micah Parsons’ arrival and historic rookie season could mean the end of Vander Esch’ career with the Dallas Cowboys, and he should be a player the New York Giants keep tabs on as free agency approaches.

Vander Esch is the kind of leader, and dominant player that Martindale would be wise to build a defense around. In 661 snaps as a rotational player last season, Vander Esch tallied 79 total tackles with one sack and held opposing quarterbacks to an 86.3 passer rating when targeting him. The Giants desperately need impact players at linebacker, and Vander Esch could provide a veteran presence there.

WR Zay Jones

Jones is a speedy wide receiver, who is coming off one of the more productive seasons of his career.

If the New York Giants in fact do move on from Sterling Shepard, Jones would provide some game-breaking speed opposite Kenny Golladay and could be a solid complement to Toney in Daniel Jones’ supporting cast in the passing game.