4 free agents the NY Giants shouldn’t even bother trying to re-sign

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 15: Jaylon Smith #54 of the New York Giants celebrates after defeating the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JANUARY 15: Jaylon Smith #54 of the New York Giants celebrates after defeating the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card playoff game at U.S. Bank Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /
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Dec 4, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) gestures to the crowd against the Washington Commanders during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants linebacker Jaylon Smith (54) gestures to the crowd against the Washington Commanders during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

1. LB Jaylon Smith

This should not surprise many people out there, as it was very clear as to how much of a liability Jaylon Smith was for the Giants this season. There is no world in which the front office should even consider bringing him back, especially considering all the chances they have to improve the position.

In 13 games, Smith racked up 85 tackles and one sack. However, watching Smith play showcased how inflated these stats really are. Smith was a liability in coverage, had little-to-no read and react ability and even struggled to make simple tackles at times.

While Schoen didn’t really have much of a choice in regards to who was playing linebacker this season due to lack of depth at the position, this does not change the fact that Smith was awful and the Giants must find a replacement for him going into next fall.

The Giants have really struggled at the linebacker position for years now and it has really hurt the defense. Players like Tae Crowder and Smith have been two of the worst players at LB the last two seasons, yet have seen extensive action for the team. That will all change soon enough. No one wants to see Smith starting for the G-Men next year. He simply can’t come back.