The NY Giants have their mind set on 2024 and the new season is on the clock after the Chiefs Super Bowl win, which means it is time to start thinking about ways the franchise can improve its roster this offseason via the NFL Draft and free agency.
Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll will have many things to consider regarding positional needs and what areas they will prioritize improving. With wideout Sterling Shepard moving on from the NFL, the Giants will seek a new wide receiver. The team will have their hands full as they look for a linebacker to complement edge-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, upgrades for their offensive line, and arguably, their most important decision this offseason is what direction they will move at running back with veteran Saquon Barkley set to hit the open market.
With free agency right around the corner, Big Blue's front office must consider every position to improve their roster to help the Giants have a winning season and return to the playoffs in 2024. That said, let's take a look at five players that the G-Men should pursue in free agency who we think would love to play for Coach Daboll and his staff:
5. EDGE Josh Uche
Josh Uche is an under-the-radar pass-rushing option for the G-Men who would fit in well opposite Kayvon and make sense for the team's new defensive coordinator, Shane Bowen. The fourth-year outside linebacker is quick and can beat any blocking matchup he faces.
In 2022, Uche had a career-high 27 tackles, 11.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 15 games with the Patriots. This past season, he totaled 15 sacks and just three sacks, but the numbers don't tell the whole story of his performance, as his pass-rush win rate this season (12.2%) is nearly identical to last season (12.8%). While a minor injury derailed this past season, Uche was a reliable performer on the defensive side, with Matthew Judon and Christian Gonzalez sidelined with long-term injuries.
Josh Uche's lateral quickness and ability to cross the face of blockers is legit pic.twitter.com/CKFc4PsNXa
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) September 13, 2023
The New England Patriots will be going through a complete rebuild this offseason with a new head coach and likely a new face under center next season, so don't expect Uche to be franchise-tagged by the organization. He will probably hit the open market and field offers from several teams looking for an upgrade on the defensive line,and I wouldn't be surprised if he called MetLife Stadium his home next season with the Giants.