The NY Giants may not have much cap space left currently. However, there are still ways in which they can free up money in order to sign some potential game-changing free agents. It won't be easy, but if Joe Schoen is determined to make moves, he can definitely get them done.
Not only have these four players been rumored to join the Giants at one point or another, but they are somewhat realistic in terms of their odds of joining the team. If Schoen manages to land one of these players, fans will sure be fired up over it:
4. LB Deion Jones
This is a move that wouldn't necessarily be ideal. However, if the current NY Giants linebacker core aside from Bobby Okereke doesn't pan out, bringing in a veteran like Deion Jones may be a necessity. Jones has certainly struggled in recent seasons and isn't really the sideline-to-sideline 'backer he once was, but he very well could rejuvenate his career in New York.
Through 11 games last season, Jones racked up 40 tackles and three sacks while allowing 20 receptions on 28 targets for 198 yards and one touchdown. These numbers may seem pretty solid, but watching Jones play showed that he has become a shell of his former self.
Regardless, if Darrian Beavers gets hurt again or Micah McFadden doesn't develop, Jones may be the answer. He won't be a big difference-maker, but putting him next to a guy like Okereke could help him turn his career around.
Hopefully, the younger linebackers on the Giants begin to develop more so this wouldn't have to be the case. However, if so, adding a player like Jones wouldn't be the end of the world and could honestly even help the Giants' defense compared to the 'backers they had last season.
3. WR DeAndre Hopkins
As fans, we would absolutely love to see a player like DeAndre Hopkins play for the Giants. While this is still a possibility, the odds of it happening aren't as high as one would think. Not only will Hopkins likely be more tempted to go to a better team, but he reportedly wants a ton of money. While the Giants can open up cap space, it likely wouldn't be enough for what Hopkins wants.
Regardless, if the report surrounding how much Hopkins wants this season is false, Schoen should hop on the train and sign the 30-year-old wideout. He may not be a top-three receiver like he once was, but Hopkins can easily fit the WR1 role the Giants desperately need.
In nine games played last season, Hopkins caught 64 passes for 717 yards and three touchdowns. Considering the injuries and QB talent he dealt with, these numbers are more than acceptable for Hopkins. If he posted those numbers under the circumstances he dealt with, we can only imagine how well he'd play in New York.
Signing Hopkins won't be easy, but adding a receiver of this caliber to the Giants could be enough to push them from playoff contenders to Super Bowl contenders. That may seem crazy, but people have been under selling Hopkins' talent in recent seasons and it's time people realize that he clearly still has it.
2. EDGE Justin Houston
In recent days, former All-Pro edge rusher Justin Houston has been linked to the NY Giants. Not only does Houston have a prior history with Wink Martindale, but he would be a near-perfect fit in the Giants scheme as a depth piece.
Houston may not be a top-tier pass rusher like he once was, but there are no doubts that he's still incredibly effective for his age. Last season, when Houston was 33, he racked up 9.5 sacks and 39 pressures in 14 games.
His age may be a concern, but the production with Houston is undoubtedly there and something Schoen may want to invest in if Azeez Ojulari gets hurt again. Houston likely wouldn't and shouldn't start, instead playing more of a mentor and depth role for both Ojulari and Kayvon Thibodeaux.
This is what could make signing Houston tricky. He may have history and fit well, but considering the season he just had, it's doubtful he wants to take a lesser role. Regardless, Schoen and the Giants should do their due diligence in trying to sign the veteran.
1. OG Dalton Risner
Similar to Houston, Risner has been linked to the NY Giants recently and it honestly makes a lot of sense. The Giants may still have Mark Glowinski under contract, but with how disappointing he was last season, it may make sense to try and move on from him, as he likely isn't going to get much better.
It's somewhat of a surprise that Risner hasn't been signed yet - he may not be a star lineman, but he's definitely serviceable and would start on a good amount of teams. If the Giants can add a player like Risner, who is both younger, and better than Glowinski, the offense will benefit greatly.
Through 598 pass-blocking snaps last season, Risner allowed three sacks and 29 pressures, earning a PFF pass-blocking grade of 72.6. When you compare this to Glowinski, who allowed five sacks and 34 pressures with a grade of 55.5, it's clear who the better player is.
Even if the Giants opt to plug Risner in over some of their younger options the team would benefit. We'd like to see what a player like Josh Ezeudu can do this season, but if Schoen thinks Risner is the way to go, then we completely understand.