New York Giants: The 4 Worst Free Agent Pickups Under Jerry Reese
Dec 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Giants offensive tackle Marshall Newhouse (73) blocks at the line of scrimmage against Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Ricardo Mathews (90) during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

While last offseason showcased some of Jerry Reese’s handy work, his free agent signings for the New York Giants always haven’t panned out.

Last week, we looked at the best free agent acquisitions in the Jerry Reese era. Now, we’ll look at his worst free agent contract signings.

1. Walter Thurmond III CB-2014

The New York Giants signed Thurmond to a one-year, $3.5 million contract in 2014 hoping he and Prince Amukamara and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie would have one of the best trio of cornerbacks in the league. But Thurmond was lost for the season in Week 2 when he tore his pectoral muscle. No one can predict a player getting injured, but when one of your prized offseason acquisitions manages just four tackles in six quarters you have to be on the top of this list. Essentially, he made about a million dollars for every tackle he made.

2. Brandon Myers TE -2013

The Giants thought they struck gold when they signed Myers back in 2013. In 2012 with the Oakland Raiders, he caught 79 passes for 806 yards and four touchdowns which were all career highs. But with the Giants, he was a bust, catching just 47 passes for 522 yards and four touchdowns in his only season with the Giants. He’s mostly remembered that season for crucial drops like the one he had at the end of the Chicago Bears game when a pass bounced off his hands and was intercepted as the Giants were driving for a game-winning score

3. Marshall Newhouse RT-2015

The Giants signed Newhouse to a two-year, $3 million dollar contract hoping he could add stability to the right side of the offensive line. People questioned the signing since the Giants were his third team in three seasons. Marshall never panned out to be the right tackle the Giants were hoping for as he struggled against quick edge rushers and split time at tackle with Bobby Hart.

4. Martellus Bennett TE -2012

The signing of Bennett makes this list not because of his production, but for the fact that Reese only signed him to a one-year deal. At 6-foot-6, 275-pounds and just 24-years-old, there were signs that Bennett was on his way towards having a productive NFL career, and the ideal red zone target for Eli Manning to throw to. In 2012 he had 55 receptions for 626 yards and five touchdowns which were all at the time career highs.

Following his year with the Giants, he went onto to play the next three seasons for the Chicago Bears earning a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2014. Then he spent last seasons with the New England Patriots and helped them win Super Bowl LI. The success he had after leaving Big Blue has had Giants fans wondering what might have been if they kept him.

Jason's first love was football while growing up in northern New Jersey. For the past three years, he has covered the New York Giants, as well as several boxing events along the East Coast.