WIth the offseason about to wrap up, Joe Schoen and the NY Giants have added many, hopefully, impactful pieces in the draft and free agency. With that being said, there are still some questions on this team at multiple positions.
The offensive line remains with its question marks - the lack of veteran leadership in certain spots is also a potential worry. There are still many names available in free agency. Matter of fact, there are guys with ties to East Rutherford that fans wouldn't mind seeing back. Here's a look at four in particular:
4. Landon Collins
Landon Collins is a household name Giants fans have come to love. It hurt everyone when he signed with Washington after his brilliant days in East Rutherford - the first time around. Luckily, Collins came back last year and made some big-time plays, including his pick-six vs. the Colts.
There are questions at the linebacker position opposite Bobby Okereke and though he may be an undersized linebacker, Collins is a good tackler and can bring leadership and stability to the position. Rookie linebacker Micah McFadden struggled at times last year, leading the Giants to sign then practice squad linebacker Jarrad Davis off the Lions and start him.
Collins remains a free agent and he's looking for a new home. If depth continues to be a concern at LB for Schoen and Co., then bringing Collins back sooner than later could be a smart call. He figures to have a new team soon enough.
3. Jason Pierre-Paul
How about this blast from the past ? Now at 34 years old, could the one time Giant return home for a year or two ? After stints with the Bucs and Ravens, Jason Pierre-Paul is a free agent, and you know what everyone says, you can never have enough pass-rushers. If last year tells us anything, it is that the Giants definitely need depth on the edge.
JPP could come at a cheaper price at 34 and would be a tremendous addition to an edge group that has a potential but a lot of questions. Giants fans love Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari, but outside of those two, who else will step up?
Ojulari missed multiple games last year with injuries and when he did, it was noticeable. Having JPP rep in and out in a rotation with KT and Ojulari would give offensive lines fits. Thibodeaux and Ojulari would have a former Pro Bowler and longtime veteran of the game to learn from.
Giants fans have been banging the table for Brian Daboll/Schoen to add at the edge position this entire offseason. Most have been wanting to bring in a veteran like Justin Houston. Houston is a guy who can still get after the quarterback, would come at a small price tag, and was in Baltimore with Wink Martindale, so he is familiar with the system. With that said, bringing back JPP would be a splash move as well.
2. Justin Pugh
Would an old face being added back to the interior group intrigue you? How about 32 year old, former Giants offensive lineman Justin Pugh? Would Giants fans welcome him home with open arms? Giants fans thought Pugh was all but a lock to be re-signed and they were shocked when he was allowed to leave Metlife Stadium.
After his four years with the team, Pugh signed a five-year, $44 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals. He was a staple on their offensive line. Pugh has been very loud on Twitter this offseason about a potential reunion with Big Blue, but do you think he would come in and take a guard spot?
The Giants have some unproven depth at the left guard spot and some major inconsistencies on the right. Ben Bredeson and Josh Ezeudu have been getting first cracks at the left guard spot with depth pieces Wyatt Davis, Jack Anderson, and Shane Lemieux are fighting for roster spots.
Pugh could also provide some versatility being a swing tackle for the Giants and help push/further develop Evan Neal. Outside of Mark Glowinski, 31, the rest of the unit is very young, and the constant rotating of players has slowed the process of the line building chemistry.
1. Logan Ryan
One last player: Logan Ryan. What about the former Giants corner/safety back to add some veteran leadership to the group? The 32-year-old Jersey native might love to come back to Big Blue and help with a young secondary with questions, but definite potential.
The cornerback group is bursting at the seams, so if Logan were to come back, it would more than likely be as a safety like he was moved to later during his time with the Giants. Ryan still may have some left in the tank at safety and could bring a veteran presence to a very young group.
Bobby McCain, 29, is the oldest of a group led by Xavier McKinney. Who will play next to McKinney is the biggest question right now. According to ESPN.com's Giants depth chart, Jason Pinnock is penciled in next to McKinney, with McCain and Dane Belton backing them up. Bringing up the rear are undrafted free agents Alex Cook, last year's Trenton Thompson, and Giants last pick in this year's draft Gervarrius Owens.
Ryan's best days are behind him, but as we mentioned above, there could still be some gas left in the tank. If the Giants don't want to give Ryan a call, you've got to assume someone else will - either before Week 1 or at some point midseason.