The New York Giants are gearing up for arguably the most important offseason in recent memory, and while the future at quarterback is getting all the attention, general manager Joe Schoen hasn’t forgotten about another glaring need—offensive line help. Specifically at guard.
The Giants’ O-line has been a disaster for years, and despite multiple attempts to fix it, the unit refuses to not be a liability. With Greg Van Roten set to hit free agency and little faith in internal options like Joshua Ezeudu or Evan Neal kicking inside, it’s no surprise that Schoen is expected to be “lurking” in the free-agent guard market, at least according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Last year, the Giants started 10 different offensive line combinations, which was tied for the league lead. When it was all said and done, Big Blue's line rankings were bad: 26th in pass-block win rate and 27th in run-block win rate. Even with the additions of Greg Van Roten, Jon Runyan Jr., and Jermaine Eluemunor. The team needs more talent on the line if the Giants are going anywhere. It's time to rid this problem once and for all.
Giants have plenty of options at guard in free agency
With the Kansas City Chiefs slapping the franchise tag on Trey Smith, the de facto top guard is off the market (collective sigh), but there are still plenty of quality options available. Will Fries (Indianapolis Colts), Teven Jenkins (Chicago Bears), Kevin Zeitler (Detroit Lions), and Will Hernandez (Arizona Cardinals) headline a strong class of interior linemen.
Fries, in particular, has been generating buzz after a breakout year in Indianapolis. Despite suffering a tibia fracture in Week 5, he was playing at a high level before the injury, earning an 86.8 PFF grade on 268 snaps. If the Giants are looking for a long-term answer, he could be a perfect fit.
Jenkins is another intriguing name. The former second-round pick has battled injuries but has flashed dominant ability when he's seen time on the field. He’s still young and could definitely be a worthwhile investment. Meanwhile, Zeitler, a former Giant, is coming off a career-best season and could provide a steady veteran presence.
If Schoen is serious about turning this team around, addressing the offensive line has to be a top priority. Whether it’s a rookie quarterback like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders or a veteran like Sam Darnold, Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, or Justin Fields under center, no QB will succeed in New York without better protection. Just ask Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, and Tommy DeVito.
Big Blue has the cap space to make a splash. With roughly $48 million in cap space to work with, there’s no reason to cut corners and penny pinch. They’ve spent too many years ignoring the offensive line, and it’s been their downfall time and time again. If they don’t get this right in free agency, they’ll have no choice but to address it in the draft. Regardless, it's time to attack their glaring roster needs.
Schoen and the Giants know what needs to be done. Now, it’s just a matter of whether they’ll finally pull the trigger and solidify this offensive line once and for all to give their quarterback a fighting chance.