Heading into the 2023 season, the New York Giants have assembled what could be their best roster in recent history. With building blocks on both sides of the ball, this team is set to compete both now and in the future. But, the same can also be said for their counterparts in the NFC East.
Alongside the Giants, the Washington Commanders, Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles have all made major moves to return to form. Whether it be through putting together elite defenses or assembling young pieces on the offensive side of the ball, these three teams will look to make things difficult for the Giants in 2023.
While the Giants have made drastic moves to improve the roster, there is still room for improvement. When looking at the rosters for their fellow NFC East teams, there's no question that there are superstars galore. In a dream world, here's our look at who the Giants could steal from each squad - these guys are bonafide studs.
Washington Commanders: DT Daron Payne
When looking at the current makeup of the Giants defensive front, there is an argument to be made that this is the most talented group on the whole roster. On the edge, they have two of the game's brightest young talents in Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari. The interior is led by an elite one-two punch in Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams. Alongside these four, they have also brought in veteran talent to fill out the group. But the addition of a player such as Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne could make this unit out of this world.
Since being drafted with the 13th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Payne has developed into one of the NFL's best interior defenders. While appearing in 81 career games, he has recorded 291 total tackles, 40 tackles for loss, 55 quarterback hits, and 26 total sacks.
Daron Payne’s 2022 Pro Bowl season has landed him a 4-year extension with the @Commanders. @94yne pic.twitter.com/NfNvFbJQHz
— NFL (@NFL) March 16, 2023
This past season, his fifth in the NFL, Payne took his game to new heights. Over 17 games, he set career highs across the board, racking up 64 total tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 11.5 total sacks. Adding Payne to this already-established defensive front would give the Giants the best unit in the NFL. It would also solidify their core for years to come.