The New York Giants wasted no time in free agency, adding several high profile players. However, GM Jerry Reese still has plenty of work left.
By Gregg Cambareri
You think New York Giants GM Jerry Reese is feeling the heat from under his seat?
In an effort not just to improve the team, but potentially keep his job, Reese made several statement signings on Wednesday, adding corner Janoris Jenkins, defensive tackle Damon Harrison, and defensive end Olivier Vernon.
Related: New York Giants Free Agent Tracker
After one of the worst defensive units in Giants history took the field in 2015, it was clear Big Blue needed an overhaul on D.
The dollar amounts were bordering ludicrous (which you can read about it the “related” article above) but Reese’s signings are justifiable. Jenkins and Harrison are just 27, entering the prime years of their respective careers. Vernon is just 25, as the pass rush specialist should improve one of the weakest units in Giants history.
While big free agent splurges aren’t always successful, the New York Giants defense has vastly improved over the past 24 hours. Simply put, the defense improves by default because it can’t possibly get worse than it was in 2015. There’s still plenty of work to be done, though.
Via @ESPNStatsInfo: Win % of tms spending least FA gtd money since ’11:
29. Cowboys .500
30. Bengals .656
31. Packers .706
32. Steelers .613— Jason Wilde (@jasonjwilde) March 10, 2016
Via @ESPNStatsInfo: Win % of teams spending most FA gtd money since 2011:
1. Dolphins .438
2. Colts .538
3. Buccaneers .287
4. Jaguars .238— Jason Wilde (@jasonjwilde) March 10, 2016
Linebacker still remains a pressing need. The Giants had difficulty covering the tight end last year (or any player downfield for that matter) and generating pressure on blitzes. Danny Trevathan (Bears) and Bruce Irvin (Raiders) are off the market, and one would think the Giants would go the draft route to address the need. Then again, the ’07 SuperBowl team saw Reggie Torbor and Kawika Mitchell as the outside backers. See why the big bucks were invested on the d-line?
Landon Collins experienced ups and downs during his rookie year. A safety who can play deep and allow Collins to throw his weight around within ten yards of the line of scrimmage is ideal. Veteran Eric Weddle remains unsigned, but it’s hard to tell how many additional dollars Reese wants to commit before the draft nears. We’ll revisit the Giants safety situation at another time.
If free agency was used to bolster the defense, then it seems clear the other side of the ball is what the Giants front office has lined up for May’s draft. Right guard and right tackle are both question marks, while a receiver to complement Odell Beckham is essential. Whether you like Victor Cruz or not, he cannot be trusted until he proves his health is a non-concern.
Related: Victor Cruz Restructures Contract
The New York Giants went bold on the first day of free agency. Reese’s job could be saved or lost based on how the free agents he signed perform in 2016. It’s only day one of what figures to be an exhilarating offseason, but it had Jason Pierre-Paul feeling some type of way…
