To say New York Giants general manager Dave Gettleman has been active in free agency would be a great understatement. Here’s a quick recap of the first week.
Dave Gettleman has executed so many acquisitions that if you weren’t glued watching NFL network or actively following the New York Giants on social media, you may have missed who the newest to call East Rutherford, New Jersey home are.
For those who may have missed the Giants free agency frenzy, here’s a recap of the players the Giants have acquired in first few days of free agency.
Nate Solder LT: four years, $62 million dollars
The Giants acquired the best left tackle in free agency who will instantly make the Giants offensive line better, and make Eli Manning feel more comfortable in the pocket. The two-time Super Bowl champion Solder will be the leader of the offensive line and will be the best left tackle the Giants have had in years.
Jonathan Stewart RB: two years, $8.4 million dollars
Jonathan Stewart reunites with his offensive coordinator with the Panthers in Mike Shula and will give the Giants backfield the veteran presence they needed. His 51 career rushing touchdowns will help the Giants goal line and short yardage offense. He’s also a great character guy for the locker room
Kareem Martin OLB: three years, $21 million dollars
Kareem Martin will be reunited with his defensive coordinator James Bettcher. The fast and athletic linebacker fits perfectly with Bettcher’s aggressive and blitz orientated defense, and he can also cover tight ends. He will rotate with Jason Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon who are expected to convert to outside linebackers in the Giants new 3-4 scheme.
Go behind the scenes with @soldernate and @reemthedream_95 as they visit #QuestDX for the first time! pic.twitter.com/5FRTuQwjvs
— New York Giants (@Giants) March 16, 2018
Patrick Omameh OG: three years, $15 million dollars
the 6-foot-4, 305-pound Patrick Omameh started 13 games at left guard last season for the Jacksonville Jaguars and was one of the reasons they had the number one ranked rushing offense in the league last season. He will compete for one of the starting guard positions in 2018.
Teddy Williams CB: one-year deal
Teddy Williams injured his shoulder in the Panthers final preseason game against the Steelers and was waived and did not play last season. He was a member of the 2015 Panthers team that made it to Super Bowl 50. He was a track star at the University of Texas and in 2009 he ran the 100 meters in 9.90 seconds. His speed will be a benefit to the Giants secondary and special teams.
Curtis Riley CB: terms of contract unknown
Curtis Riley appeared in 11 games over the past two years with the Tennessee Titans. The Giants were in need of cornerbacks after cutting Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was cut and with Ross Cockrell a free agent.
In addition to the new acquiring these six free agents, the Giants also re-signed two of their restricted free agents in defensive tackle Robert Thomas and guard Jon Halapio.
So far you have to give Dave Gettleman two thumbs up for his acquisitions this offseason as he’s addressed the Giants two biggest needs which were offensive line and linebacker. Expect Gettleman to make a few more shrewd moves in the days to come.
