Last season didn't go as planned for the NY Giants and moving into 2024, the team seemingly doesn't have a set direction. While this isn't necessarily the best thing, it does open the door for New York to go in two different directions. On one hand, the Giants could break things down and rebuild, and on the other, they can shock fans and stock up on players in order to push towards contention.
If Joe Schoen goes down the path of contention, he needs to start by making some splashes in free agency. The Giants will be in (hopefully) on some top targets. With that said, here are five moves NY and Schoen can make to get them back in the NFC East title hunt:
5. Re-sign Xavier McKinney
Two of the top playmakers on the Giants over the last couple of seasons are hitting the open market in free agency and fans are worried that they may not return in 2024. While New York has limited cap space and these two likely want big contracts, re-signing at least one of them would likely play a big role in how well the team performs next season.
Saquon Barkley and Xavier McKinney have been two of the most consistent players for the Giants on both sides of the ball. However, Barkley had a down season in '23 and with there being so many needs on offense, we think Schoen should put more of an emphasis on bringing McKinney back to help bolster the defense.
We understand the conversations surrounding the importance of safeties in the modern NFL. However, with Adoree' Jackson likely walking, and no immediate backup plan for McKinney, letting a top coverage defensive back walk in free agency may not be ideal. While we would have liked to see Schoen slap a transition tag on the 24-year-old DB, we're still confident the two sides can strike a deal.
McKinney was one of the best coverage safeties in the NFL, having the best pass coverage grade amongst safeties while racking up 116 tackles as well. This type of versatility was super important to the Giants' defense and losing that to save cap space could have some negative repercussions.
4. Sign Danielle Hunter to support Kayvon Thibodeaux
While there are still talks around Danielle Hunter and the Vikings finding a new deal, it seems quite possible that the four-time Pro Bowler hits the open market this offseason. If this is the case, the Giants need to do what they can to bring Hunter in. Adding this sort of pass-rushing presence next to guys like Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence could turn the Giants' defense into an elite unit.
Last season, Hunter racked up 83 combined tackles, 16.5 sacks, 80 pressures, four forced fumbles, and a league-leading 23 tackles for loss. It would cost a significant amount to bring a player of Hunter's caliber in, but adding this elite of a pass-rusher would completely change the trajectory of the Giants' defense.
Regardless of whether the Giants can manage to add Hunter or not, it would be in their best interest to add another pass-rusher to the defense. Azeez Ojulari has consistently been injured and is coming off a down year, Thibodeaux still needs to find consistency, and Lawrence can only do so much. Bringing in a veteran rusher could be the glue this defense desperately needs.
3. Sign Mike Onwenu
The Giants have consistently had one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL and it's time for some meaningful changes up front. While Mike Onwenu may not be the best lineman available in free agency, he brings some much-needed versatility and consistency that the offense needs.
Onwenu has roughly the same number of snaps at guard as he does tackle, which is a rare commodity in the NFL. This, combined with the Giants' current situation, makes Onwenu a perfect fit. Whether they put him at tackle and move Evan Neal to guard, or keep Onwenu at guard and give Neal another chance at tackle, there's no scenario where New York doesn't benefit.
Through 505 pass-blocking snaps, Onwenu allowed 23 pressures and three sacks, earning an overall PFF grade of 71.5, which ranks 29th amongst all tackles in the NFL. Spotrac.com has Onwenu at a market value of $13.6 million a year over four seasons. This may be a bit more than he is worth, but it may be worth slightly overpaying to bring in such a consistent lineman to a unit that needs it.
2. Draft Malik Nabers in the first round
Ever since trading away Odell Beckham Jr. back in 2019, the Giants have consistently failed to find a true WR1 through the draft and free agency. However, with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Schoen has the chance to finally deliver the Giants the offensive threat they've been so desperately needing.
Malik Nabers may not be the best receiver prospect in this draft class, but he's easily second behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and could be available at No. 6 overall. Whether it be his elite top speed, abilities as a deep threat, or incredible hands, Nabers does it all and is the caliber of receiver that could change things for the Giants.
In his final season at LSU, Nabers caught 89 passes for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns. These stats and traits earned Nabers' reputation as a star in the making that any team would be happy to have on their offense.
If Schoen can manage to land Nabers with the No. 6 overall pick, it could revolutionize the team's offense. The Giants haven't seen a receiver prospect like this since Beckham and it's really no coincidence that they both went to the same college.
1. Find a proper replacement for Daniel Jones
There may be a chance that Daniel Jones will turn it around in 2024. However, is it really worth risking an entire season on a QB coming off a torn ACL? Especially one who played as poorly as Jones did last season. With so many options at quarterback this offseason, the Giants have a real chance to switch things up at the most important position in football.
Whether they draft someone like Michael Penix Jr. in the second round, trade back into the first for J.J. McCarthy, or sign a veteran, there's no lack of chances to move on from Jones. The Giants would still be stuck with his contract, but with the way it's structured, Schoen could get rid of Jones after next campaign.
Things got way more interesting with Russell Wilson being released by the Broncos. He's nowhere near the QB he once was, but Wilson is still solid and if signed to a veteran minimum, the Giants could benefit. He'd fit the system well and would be an undoubted improvement over Jones.
Who knows what the plan is at QB in 2024, but if Schoen wants to be serious about contending, he must realize that Jones isn't the guy. There are far too many options this offseason to waste another year on hoping Jones finally puts it all together.