NY Giants: Stealing one player from every NFC East foe

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.

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.

Philadelphia Eages: WR AJ Brown

The Giants wide receiver room is built to succeed through free agency and the draft. With Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins, and Parris Campbell set to lead the way alongside Wan'Dale Robinson, Sterling Shepard, and Jalin Hyatt, this group could shock many around the NFL next season. But when looking at the unit, there is a true game-changer missing. While it is still unknown what Hodgins will do over an entire season, and Hyatt is yet to take the field, the group is without a proven WR1. Adding a target such as AJ Brown of the Philadelphia Eagles could make this offense elite.

Following three seasons with the Tennessee Titans, Brown took his game to a new level in his first season with the Eagles. As Jalen Hurts elevated the offense, Brown benefited. Over 17 games, he recorded career-highs in both receptions and receiving yards while tying his career-high in touchdowns. In total, he hauled in 88 receptions for 1,496 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.

Brown is an elite option through the air and can impact the offense at each level. With a player of his caliber on the field, the Giants offense could improve in all areas, including the ground game. Adding an elite WR1 would give their star running back Saquon Barkley even more opportunities to succeed. It could also lead to quarterback Daniel Jones unlocking a new level to his game.

Dallas Cowboys: LB Micah Parsons

When looking at the current top defenders in the NFL, there is arguably no better player than Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons. When looking at what player in the NFC East could help the Giants the most, Parsons is the best option.

In just two seasons, Parsons has already put together an elite resume. Alongside taking home Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2021, he is also a two-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro.

Over 33 career games, Parsons has already cemented himself as one of the game's elite. In total, he has recorded 149 total tackles, 33 tackles for loss, 26.5 sacks, 56 quarterback hits, and six forced fumbles. On the way to finding this success, Parsons has recorded 13 sacks in each of his first two campaigns.

Placing Parsons alongside Thibodeaux could give the Giants a near-unstoppable duo off of the edge. It would also give them an elite third option in Ojulari, who could make an instant impact in a smaller role. With these three players consistently rotating off the edge, and Williams and Lawrence beating down the interior, this group could apply pressure early and often. It would also make this Giants front nearly unstoppable.

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