4 minor trades the NY Giants can make this summer
By Doug Rush
With the NY Giants getting ready for their second preseason game of the summer, it's time to take another close look at the roster. Last week, the majority of the starters weren't on the field for the loss to Detroit. However, it was made clear that depth is still an issue for Brian Daboll.
While the Giants have several of their starters penciled in for Week 1, there’s always a need to have depth behind the starters in case of injuries and emergencies, which was something the Big Blue saw first hand in 2022 when their secondary suffered injuries and the Giants had to scurry around to find that depth in free agency.
Figuring out some depth now while the summer is still ongoing with the preseason and training camp would be ideal for Daboll and Joe Schoen. So, which deals could the Giants make to help the team before Week 1? Here's a look at four trade targets for the G-Men:
4. Houston Texans pass-rusher Jerry Hughes
The Giants have two young pass-rushers at the edge with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari. But after that, they could use some depth behind them, especially experienced players. They also have Oshane Ximines and Jihad Ward, but between health and inconsistency, it wouldn’t hurt for the Giants to explore other options.
Justin Houston made a lot of sense, as did Yannick Ngakoue, but the Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears both signed them off the free agent wire. Jadaveon Clowney is also available too, although he hasn’t met with the Giants and it's up in the air if he will.
So, with experienced pass-rushers coming off the free agent board, an experienced rusher like Jerry Hughes is someone who could help the Giants. Both Schoen and Daboll know Hughes from his long-time tenure with the Buffalo Bills.
While Hughes is 35 years old, he’s still clearly productive, as he had nine sacks for the Houston Texans last season. Hughes would make a lot more sense for a team competing for the postseason like the Giants, who can use that extra depth on the edge.
Hughes wouldn’t cost much as far as salary goes, since he’s making $4 million for the 2023 season and then is a free agent. A late-round pick should suffice if the Giants were to make a call to Houston.