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Oliver Vernon and Damion Harrison sign with the New York Giants

By jonfox

Oct 4, 2015; London, United Kingdom; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) carries the ball while pursued by Miami Dolphins right end Oliver Vernon (50) in Game 12 of the NFL International Series at Wembley Stadium.The Jets defeated the Dolphins 27-14. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; London, United Kingdom; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) carries the ball while pursued by Miami Dolphins right end Oliver Vernon (50) in Game 12 of the NFL International Series at Wembley Stadium.The Jets defeated the Dolphins 27-14. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Giants, coming off a disappointing season and the rare coaching change which saw the entire coaching staff retained but the head coach, needed to make a big splash somehow. It would have been best if that splash happened on either line, where they needed reinforcement. GM Jerry Reese had a lot of cap room to work with and struck signing former Jets’ defensive tackle Damon Harrison and former Miami Dolphin Oliver Vernon.

This was on top of bringing back Jason Pierre-Paul on a one year/incentive heavy contract to give him another chance to prove himself. Neither Vernon or Harrison are reliable star performers but both have the potential to grow into stardom. Vernon had his best year in 2013 when he posted 11.5 sacks but has combined for 14 sacks since then. Harrison has been the overlooked lineman with the Jets and was looking to cash in because the Jets will have their three talented other linemen to pay starting with Wilkerson this season.

Added to Hankins on the defensive line, the Giants have on paper one of the most talented defensive lines in the NFC east and with Spags’ coaching philosophy, this could become a deadly unit for other teams to try and deal with.

So how will this effect all the teams’ draft plans:
For the Giants: While Jerry Reese has eschewed the idea of drafting for need high, all this cash would seem to eliminate a defensive line player with any of their first three picks. It would seem to indicate that the offense is their top priority with the 10th overall pick.

For the Dolphins: They removed the transition tag from Oliver Vernon and let him hit the market after signing Mario Williams(who the Giants were also interested in signing) so this shouldn’t change their plans that much outside of putting pressure on the franchise to resign Cam Wake to an extension.

For the Jets: While the Jets didn’t seem to be surprised that Harrison was leaving their roster, with Sheldon Richardson’s propensity for getting arrested, Wilkerson’s unease at being franchise tagged and Leonard Williams’ inconsistency they’re going to have to invest some resources into finding a new nose tackle to replace Harrison with. They currently have 4 defensive linemen on the roster and oddly enough took a shot at Oliver Vernon. Tackle or end will have to be as big a priority for them as quarterback will be come May.

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