There are so many decisions the New York Giants have to make with the free agency window around the corner, opening on Wednesday, March 11, at 4 p.m. ET.
How will the G-Men navigate John Harbaugh’s first free agency as the franchise’s head coach? Could we be looking at several roster changes by this time next week?
Giants fans should probably buckle up because free agency could get interesting quickly.
Big Blue should take a similar approach to Kyle Shanahan, John Lynch, and the San Francisco 49ers this offseason, building its roster to compete right away.
The Niners haven’t only been notorious for the way they’ve used mid-range draft picks to find stars like Fred Warner (2018, third round), George Kittle (2017, fifth round), and Brock Purdy (2022, seventh round), but they also haven’t been afraid to swing big when the opportunity presents itself, trading for elite veterans like Trent Williams and Christian McCaffrey.
For this piece, let’s focus on free agency and look at ways Harbaugh and Joe Schoen can emulate parts of the Niners’ roster-building strategy. And don’t worry, there will be another “Written In Blue” closer to the NFL Draft.
Speaking of Warner, let’s start with linebacker. I fully expect Big Blue to make changes there, and they’ve already started after releasing former captain Bobby Okereke earlier this week. There’s also been chatter about the possibility of Kayvon Thibodeaux being involved in a trade, which could open the door for the Giants to pursue a big-name linebacker if the right opportunity presents itself.
I’m expecting the G-Men to explore a Brian Burns-type move again if they don’t go the draft route and select Ohio State’s Sonny Styles at pick No. 5, who the team reportedly liked during the NFL Combine.
Moving on to running back, I’ll be honest, I didn’t think we’d be sitting here talking about the Giants possibly being involved in the Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III conversation with Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr. already in the backfield.
As for former Ravens who could potentially leave Baltimore to join the Giants, I wouldn’t be surprised if Big Blue looked at either center Tyler Linderbaum or tight end Isaiah Likely, or even both.
Linderbaum would be a massive boost to New York’s offensive line, although he could command the highest-paid contract at the center position. Likely, on the other hand, would be a cheaper option but still a solid replacement for Daniel Bellinger.
Lastly, we have the Giants’ big three internal free agents: Wan’Dale Robinson, Jermaine Eluemunor, and Cor’Dale Flott. We know the G-Men really like Eluemunor and would likely want to bring him back, which makes sense since offensive line depth is always valuable.
I could also see Flott returning, especially since he could fit nicely in a Dennard Wilson-led defense.
Wan’Dale, however, might end up signing elsewhere this offseason as he’s expected to get paid. Maybe a reunion with Brian Daboll on the Titans? Daboll loved using him as a slot receiver, and pairing him with another young quarterback in Cam Ward could give him a major role next season.
The Giants will have their hands full from now until training camp as they try to assemble a roster ready to compete in year one of the Harbaugh era.
Consider it “Written In Blue.”