Full list of Giants outgoing free agents: Will Big Blue actually re-sign anyone?

With the new league year in the NFL opening on March 13, the New York Giants will soon need to face reality and make some tough decisions regarding free agency. With a whopping 26 free agents according to Spotrac, many of whom are expecting high-paying extensions, the Giants will undoubtedly have to burn some bridges this offseason.

With so much on the line, Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll have their hands full in forming a contending roster in 2024. Here is a list of the free agents that will be hitting the open market and some early predictions on how some critical decisions will shake out come March 13.

Complete list of New York Giants free agents in 2024

Unrestricted free agents

Adoree' Jackson, Saquon Barkley, Tyrod Taylor, Isaiah Simmons, A'Shawn Robinson, Parris Campbell, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Xavier McKinney, Jihad Ward, Matt Breida, Casey Kreiter, Sterling Shepard, Jarrad Davis, Randy Bullock, Matt Peart, J.C Hassenauer, Darnay Holmes, Gunner Olszewski, Ben Bredeson, Shane Lemieux, Cameron Brown, Carter Coughlin

Restricted free agents

Restricted free agents are also allowed to receive offers and sign with any team, but their previous team might want something in return. A restricted free agent is a player who has accrued three seasons and whose contract expired. For the Giants, Nick McCloud, the 25-year-old cornerback out of Notre Dame, is a perfect example of an RFA. He is free to sign where he pleases this offseason, but the Giants can demand a first-round, second-round, or right-of-first-refusal tender.

For the Giants, the RFA list is relatively short. With Nick McCloud and Wyatt Davis heading into free agency with the restricted tagline, it will be interesting to see how the Giants navigate these complimentary players.

Who will we see the Giants bring back in free agency?

3. Gunner Olszewski

In the early stages of the 2023 season, Giants' fans held their breath every time the punt return team trotted onto the field. With special teams playing such a massive role in any NFL game, a sense of relief came when the G-Men signed Olszewski in October.

Olszewski is a confident returner who can break one and take a punt to the house. Remember this huge 93-yard return against the Rams in Week 17?

The Giants should sign Olszewski to a multi-year deal and secure their special teams returner position. Minimizing the big mistakes and maximizing field position will only benefit the team in 2024.

2. Xavier McKinney

Coming off a season where McKinney posted career highs in tackles and passes defended, the Giants will have to dig deep in their pockets to retain the defensive back from the University of Alabama. Despite battling injuries for much of his career thus far, McKinney has been an enormous asset when on the field.

McKinney has grabbed eight interceptions in his two healthy seasons, commanding the back end of the Giants defense. As a foundational piece of this Giants defense, Joe Schoen should prioritize retaining the stud defensive back and continuing to build a strong culture in East Rutherford.

1. Isaiah Simmons

Simmons' game has always been defined as a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. Since entering the league as a highly-touted prospect from Clemson, Simmons hasn't been able to find a true home in the NFL just yet.

However, during his stint as a Giant, Simmons made some splash plays and had an impact. Although no longer in Wink Martindale's defensive system, the Giants' would be wise to give Simmons an extension as a utility piece.

With Bobby Okereke and Micah McFadden dominating throughout the season as the primary linebackers, they can continue teaching Simmons as he searches to find his true role on the team. Look for Simmons to resume his effective play as a hybrid linebacker and keep making big plays for the Big Blue defense.