The New York Giants’ 2024 season can be defined by many mistakes and embarrassing moments after the team endured a historically horrendous year. But it’s also hard to ignore watching their two best players on both sides of the ball leave in free agency and have career years after Joe Schoen opted not to pay them.
I am, of course, talking about running back Saquon Barkley, who rushed for well over 2,000 yards in his first season with the Philadelphia Eagles while winning a Super Bowl, and safety Xavier McKinney, who had a career-best eight interceptions in his first season with the Green Bay Packers. Giants fans made it clear that it was unforgivable for Schoen not to at least try to pay them what they deserved. But with Barkley and McKinney long gone, Schoen must do whatever it takes to regain Giants fans’ trust.
Even though that trust may have been slightly restored after rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. proved to be the right replacement for Barkley, the Giants’ secondary in 2024 undoubtedly felt McKinney’s absence. But with the new league year on the horizon, the Giants are now seen as top suitors for a couple of solid free agents who could help correct Schoen and Co.’s past mistakes.
Giants seen as top suitors for two free agent studs
In an article for ESPN, Matt Bowen sees safety Jevon Holland and guard Teven Jenkins as realistic targets for the Giants this offseason. With New York’s secondary being one of the league’s youngest and its offensive line continuing to be a major issue year after year, these are fair players to go after.
"A year after allowing Xavier McKinney to sign with the Packers in free agency, the Giants could try to grab the best safety on the 2025 market in Holland. He has the multidimensional traits to impact all three levels of the field for a Giants defense that needs a difference-maker at safety. New York had five interceptions last season, fewer than all but one other team (Browns). In four pro seasons with the Dolphins, Holland has five interceptions, 16 pass breakups, five forced fumbles and five sacks," Bowen wrote.
Just as Bowen mentioned, Holland had a great season for the Miami Dolphins in 2024, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s top safeties. He will undoubtedly be a top target for teams this offseason. Despite not recording an interception, the 24-year-old finished the year with 62 combined tackles (42 solo), four pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one sack in 15 games and 15 starts. Adding him to a Giants secondary that was statistically ranked the worst in the NFL this past season would be a significant upgrade.
As for Jenkins, any addition to New York’s offensive line would be an improvement at this point, especially if they end up selecting a young quarterback in the draft. The Giants would love nothing more than to protect their next franchise signal-caller for the next decade.
"The Giants could fill their right guard vacancy with Jenkins, a 2021 second-round pick for Chicago. Drafted as a tackle, Jenkins has had multiple injuries in his career, as he has played in only 38 of a possible 68 career games. However, he has the tools to drive defenders off the ball in the run game and he had a pass block win rate of 92.0% last season. He'd boost a poor OL in New York," Bowen wrote.
Despite the injury concerns Bowen alluded to, Jenkins recorded a pass block win rate of 92% last season, which should be a major factor in the Giants’ evaluation process. Even after allowing 48 sacks in 2024—a significant improvement from the 85 they allowed in 2023, the most in the league—Jenkins seems like a strong fit for this Giants team.
Something has to give for the Giants in 2025 after posting a franchise-worst 14 losses, especially as their division rivals continue to improve. The Eagles just hoisted the Lombardi Trophy, and the Washington Commanders reached the NFC title game with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels leading the way. If Schoen wants to fix his unforgivable mistakes of letting stars like Barkley and McKinney walk, these predicted moves need to become a reality for the Giants in 2025.