3 best NY Giants LB targets remaining in free agency

Through the start of free agency, the NY Giants have addressed the roster in a big way. Between the trade to land tight end Darren Waller, and the move to sign free agent linebacker Bobby Okereke, the team is looking sharp.

But there is still room for improvement. With the second wave of free agency currently in full swing, there are still solid options available on the open market, specifically at the linebacker position.

While the Giants could look to address linebacker through the draft, adding another veteran alongside Okereke could make the most sense, especially when looking at how young the current makeup of the room is. Here’s three guys Joe Schoen should take a look at:

3. LB Zach Cunningham

Since being drafted in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans, Zach Cunningham has developed into a reliable option on the defensive side of the ball.

Through 82 career games, the veteran linebacker has recorded 620 total tackles, 392 solo tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 19 defended passes, and one interception. Cunningham is also just two seasons removed from being the NFL’s leading tackler. During the 2020 campaign, he led the league in both total tackles with 164, and solo tackles with 106.

After spending the first five seasons of his NFL career with the Texans, Cunningham was released by the team during the 2021 season. After clearing waivers, he landed with the Tennesee Titans. Over two seasons, he appeared in 10 games for the Titans. For much of the 2022 season, the veteran linebacker was sidelined with an elbow injury. He finished the year recording 24 total tackles and one defended pass.

Based on his injury history, and how the market has played out at the position, Cunninghman could potentially be added on a very team-friendly deal. Following a 2022 season where he took the field in just six games, he could be looking to sign a one-year deal to bounce back. If that is the case, the Giants should have him on their radar.