The stage is set for Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, February 9, in New Orleans. We've seen this story before as the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs square off for the second time in three years.
The last time these two teams met in the Super Bowl, Harrison Butker hit a game-winning 27-yard field goal, giving the Chiefs their third championship in franchise history. Kansas City will now aim to repeat that success and become the first team in the Super Bowl era to three-peat. However, standing in their way is a dangerous Eagles squad led by former New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley, spearheading their backfield.
While Giants fans may not be thrilled to watch Barkley potentially help a division rival win another championship—or witness yet another Patrick Mahomes masterclass—there's still reason to tune in. This game will feature several free agents who could make a massive difference for the Giants in 2025.
After the worst season in franchise history, Joe Schoen and the Giants' front office are expected to be aggressive in free agency. With glaring needs across the roster, the Super Bowl provides a prime opportunity to scout potential reinforcements.
Let’s break down five players in this year’s Super Bowl who the Giants should target in free agency:
5 players Giants fans should look out for in the Super Bowl
Chiefs: Trey Smith, OG
It’s no secret the Giants need help on their offensive line. Even after adding three linemen in last year’s free agency, the unit still ranked 27th overall, according to Pro Football Network. One area of concern is right guard, where the Giants lack a clear starter heading into 2025.
Chiefs guard Trey Smith could be the perfect solution. The 6'6", 321-pound lineman has quickly developed into one of the league’s top offensive guards. Pro Football Focus graded him as the 14th overall tackle and 33rd in pass blocking for the 2024-25 season. Already a two-time Super Bowl champion and a Pro Bowler, Smith would bring championship pedigree to the Giants’ line.
At just 26 years old, Smith’s combination of size, talent, and experience makes him an ideal target for Schoen this offseason.
Eagles: Milton Williams, DT
Milton Williams had a breakout season in 2024, establishing himself as one of the NFL's top pass rushers. Williams finished the year with 11 solo tackles, five sacks, and one forced fumble, earning a stellar 90.6 pass-rush grade from PFF—the second-highest behind Kansas City’s Chris Jones.
Pairing Williams with the Giants’ already talented pass-rushing trio of Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux would make New York’s defensive front a nightmare for opposing offenses. While the Giants are expected to prioritize their secondary this offseason, they shouldn’t overlook the opportunity to add Williams if he comes at the right price.
Chiefs: Marquise Brown, WR
The Giants are building a promising young wide receiver corps led by Malik Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Jalin Hyatt. However, with Darius Slayton likely signing elsewhere in free agency, the team could benefit from adding a veteran presence to mentor their young playmakers.
Chiefs wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown could be that guy. While injuries limited his 2024 season—he missed significant time with a clavicle injury—Brown has proven to be a reliable deep threat throughout his career. With experience in both Baltimore and Arizona, he would provide the Giants with a veteran leader and a solid option in the passing game.
Eagles: Mekhi Becton, OT
Jermaine Eluemenor will likely shift back to guard next year with Thomas returning from injury to play left tackle. The Giants could still use depth at both the guard and tackle positions, as they have suffered badly from injuries on the offensive line in recent years.
The Giants could turn to Jon Runyan Jr. at either guard position, but it’s not guaranteed he’ll be ready by the start of next season as he recovers from a season-ending injury. It’s also unclear if Aaron Stinnie will re-sign in free agency. If Stinnie signs elsewhere, Eagles lineman Mekhi Becton makes sense as a target for the Giants in free agency.
Becton’s career got off to a rocky start with the New York Jets. Drafted 11th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, the highly-touted prospect out of Louisville struggled to stay healthy, missing most of the 2021 season and the entire 2022 season.
After signing a one-year deal with the Eagles, Becton had a breakout campaign this past season, transitioning from tackle to guard. He earned a 72.6 overall grade and surrendered only 19 pressures through Week 13. Becton is likely to draw interest from several teams, and the Giants should be one of them.
Chiefs: Justin Reid, S
Aside from quarterback, the Giants’ most significant need this offseason is their secondary. They need a defensive back to complement Deonte Banks and a safety to pair with Tyler Nubin, especially if Jason Pinnock leaves in free agency.
Should Pinnock sign elsewhere, the Giants should strongly pursue Chiefs safety Justin Reid. He would be an excellent fit in New York, bringing leadership and experience to a secondary that desperately needs both.
The seventh-year player is a two-time Super Bowl champion with Kansas City. Before joining the Chiefs, Reid played for the Houston Texans, who drafted him in the third round in 2018. While he performed well in Houston, he truly broke out as a starter in Kansas City and has shined in both of his Super Bowl appearances.
Reid played exceptionally well against the Eagles in Super Bowl LVIII, recording seven combined tackles (five solo) to help the Chiefs secure their third title. The year prior, against the Niners, he posted nine tackles and half a sack.
Reid would help stabilize the Giants’ secondary under newly hired safeties coach Marquand Manuel, who previously worked with the Jets. Pairing Reid with Nubin in the defensive backfield could make a significant difference for New York.