Giants: 3 free agents who could alter 2021 NFL Draft plans
By Felix Davila
The New York Giants have been a rollercoaster over the last three seasons, flashing competitive play only to be blown out by a team just a week later. This past season was the epitome of that, as Big Blue seriously contended for a division title with a 5-7 record at one point, but flopped by finishing 6-10 on the year. Now holding a 15-33 record since 2018, it is clear that general manager Dave Gettleman needs to hit a home run with this offseason.
Fortunately, it seems progress was made. The team hired Joe Judge, who built a strong coaching staff, and the team hit on key free agent additions in James Bradberry, Blake Martinez and Logan Ryan. Their 2020 NFL Draft class brought in notable contributors like Andrew Thomas, Shane Lemieux, Darnay Holmes and Tae Crowder. Armed with the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the team can continue building on that foundation and possibly turn things around. But it starts with another go at free agency in Judge’s second season.
Looming salary cap situation will influence offseason approach for Giants
The most pressing issue right now for the NFL is the negotiation of television deals. If the NFL can successfully finalize their contracts, it could lead to a major increase in the cap. Until then, the Giants are projected to be under the cap by $1.3 million, with several key names on the outs. They could lose Leonard Williams, Dalvin Tomlinson, and potentially cut Golden Tate, Nate Solder and Kevin Zeitler to get further under the cap.
Those potential losses are in addition to the Giants desperate need to add a top receiver option and consistent EDGE presence. The question is, who in this free agency class can theoretically solve those needs and potentially alter the Giants’ draft plans and overall offseason approach? There are several names that can.