The New York Giants have had one of their most productive offseasons in recent memory through the first few weeks of free agency, and it just keeps getting better.
After finishing 3-14 in the 2024 campaign and having arguably the worst season in franchise history, we expected general manager Joe Schoen and the Giants to be aggressive once the free agency window opened. He needed to address several areas in free agency, but the top priority was quarterback, with Tommy DeVito as the only signal-caller on the Giants’ roster.
The G-Men were in the mix for several veteran quarterbacks before settling on a direction. They had interest in trading for Matthew Stafford—had the Los Angeles Rams made him available—and hosted Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and Joe Flacco on visits.
On Friday night, the Giants signed Winston to a two-year, $8 million contract — backup quarterback money and relatively cheap for the team. The expectation is that Winston will open the season as the starter while mentoring whichever young prospect the team drafts next month.
For $8 million over two years, Schoen deserves a pat on the back for another impressive signing this offseason, no matter what role Winston plays for New York.
It’s important to recognize that this signing wouldn’t have been possible without the Giants front office’s earlier moves, particularly on defense. Schoen addressed key areas that needed upgrading and made sure there was enough money left to land a reasonably priced veteran to fill their top priority at quarterback this offseason.
The Giants' early free agent signings set up the Jameis Winston signing
Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus recently listed one positive takeaway for all 32 NFL teams following the first week of free agency. Wasserman's selection for the Giants? Stability in the secondary.
While the priority was to get one of the veteran quarterbacks on the market in the building right away, Schoen was patient and decided to pursue revamping Big Blue’s secondary. The secondary was among the worst in the NFL last year, so addressing this need immediately may benefit the Giants most in 2025.
The Giants’ first offseason signing was former New Orleans Saints defensive back Paulson Adebo, one of the most underrated cornerbacks on the market this offseason. The 25-year-old enters his fifth season in the league, where he totaled 52 total tackles (43 solo), three interceptions, and 10 passes defended in seven games. Adebo will fill a much-needed void at CB1 opposite Deonte Banks.
The Giants also addressed the safety position by adding former Miami Dolphin Jevon Holland. Holland also enters his fifth season in the NFL at age 25 after posting 62 total tackles (42 solo), one sack, one forced fumble, and four passes defended in 15 games. Holland shouted out his college teammate Kayvon Thibodeaux for recruiting him to New York and will play opposite Tyler Nubin next season.
The Giants’ five projected starters in their secondary next season are expected to be Banks, Adebo, Holland, Nubin, and Dru Phillips as the team’s three-down nickel cornerback. All five players will be 26 years old or younger at the start of the 2025 season, which excites Giants fans about the long-term future of this group.