The NY Giants may be a good bit away from free agency, but it's never too soon to be thinking about some potential targets. We've seen people mention Mike Evans, Josh Allen, Brian Burns, and many other big names for the Giants to target. However, due to limited cap space (for now), it would make sense to look at less-expensive players.
With that in mind, we've compiled a list of some lesser-known free agents we'd like to see Joe Schoen go after. Not only do these guys play in positions of need, but they should be more affordable to bring in and could be low-risk, high-reward signings. As we know, these types of moves are Schoen's specialties, so don't be surprised to see some of these guys linked with New York sooner rather than later.
4. OG Dalton Risner
There was a point prior to the start of this season where Dalton Risner was linked to the Giants before he landed with the Minnesota Vikings. Considering how poorly New York's offensive line played all year, having a guy like Risner would have been nice, as he would have been the only starter to not allow a sack (what he did in Minnesota).
Now, with Risner hitting the open market again, the Giants have a chance to potentially bring in the 28-year-old guard. Not only would he be a cheap guard option, but his pass-blocking would be a much needed upgrade over guys like Justin Pugh. Through 485 pass-blocking snaps last season, Risner allowed just 30 pressures and zero sacks.
The Giants allowed 13 sacks between their two main guards in Pugh and Ben Bredeson. Signing Risner would be a massive upgrade over either of these two, while not costing the front office much more as well.
Regardless, Schoen has to address the offensive line in one way or another. If he chooses to upgrade through the path of free agency, Risner would likely be his best option relative to cost. There aren't many great offensive linemen in this year's free agency class, so spending wisely will be Schoen's best chance of coming out with starting-level talent at a small cost.
3. WR/KR Jamal Agnew
Jamal Agnew is one of the more interesting players in the NFL. His usage over the years has made him one of the more sought-after utility players in the league. Not only can he field punts and return kicks, but he has had moments where the Jaguars have used him as a receiver and it works in their favor more often than not.
This doesn't mean the Giants should make Agnew a primary receiving option if they sign him, but it could provide more versatility to an offense in desperate need of it. Alongside this, Agnew could finally bring some much-needed stability at the returner spot for the first time since Dwayne Harris.
In 11 games last season, Agnew caught 14 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown as a receiver, averaging 16.1 yards per reception. As a returner, Agnew fielded 14 punts for 144 yards and returned 15 kicks for 391 yards. While the limited games kept him out of the Pro Bowl, these numbers already aren't far off from his 2022 Pro Bowl season, so imagining him playing a full season has us very excited.
If used properly, Agnew could be a cheap, dynamic player who would provide a ton for the Giants on special teams and on offense. Who knows if this will be what Schoen is looking for in free agency, but if it is, Agnew might just be his guy.
2. EDGE Bryce Huff
One of the more underrated edge-rushers for this free agency class has to be undrafted phenom Bryce Huff. He's already familiar with the area considering he's spent each of his first four seasons with the Jets, but with some apparent disconnect between the two sides on a contract extension, he could look to switch sides and join the Giants.
He may not be a super cheap option like Risner, but Huff would certainly bring a ton of power off the edge that New York's defense desperately needs across from Kayvon Thibodeaux. Not only would Huff provide that, but compared to what some other elite edge-rushers will be getting paid this offseason, he could be cheap relative to talent.
In 17 games this season, Huff racked up 10 sacks, 67 pressures, 29 combined tackles, and 10 tackles for loss. Considering how stacked the Jets' defense was last season, it's pretty impressive to see Huff, who was a UDFA out of Memphis back in 2020, stand tall amongst the rest.
1. RB Zack Moss
In the worst-case scenario in which Schoen and Saquon Barkley can't come together on a contract extension, the Giants will be in the market for a new running back. If this nightmare becomes reality, it's likely that Schoen either drafts a back, or looks for a cheaper option in free agency. If he chooses the ladder, then Zack Moss could be a solid option.
Through 14 games, Moss racked up 183 carries for 794 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. Obviously, these stats aren't the most ideal for a starting back, but for how much he'd likely cost, it could be a nice bargain bin signing to replace Barkley.
Moss had some big-time games last season, such as Week 5 against the Titans. In that game, Moss ran the ball 23 times for 165 yards and two touchdowns. He certainly had some tough games, but the bright moments could be something Schoen keeps in mind this offseason.
Considering the alternative of paying Barkley $12+ million, signing Moss may end up being the smarter move long term. Spotrac.com gives him a market value of $4.6 million over two seasons. This is way less than what Barkley supposedly wants with similar production.