The New York Giants have many holes that need improvement on their roster. Yes, there are the obvious positions. Quarterback, running back, and a WR1 to name a few. But, there are two players in free agency that the team should sign who would improve two positions dramatically.
Offensive Tackle Jonah Jackson
Recently, the Giants released right guard Mark Glowinski to save about $5 million in cap space. The 32-year-old was in and out of the lineup last season, despite playing 16 games the year before. Despite the fact he was the best-graded offensive guard on the team, New York decided to make him a scapegoat. Can you blame them, considering this offensive line problem has been a major issue for years now?
Plus, being the best-graded offensive guard on the team isn’t saying much. Did you expect guys like Ben Bredeson, Justin Pugh (straight off the couch), and Marcus McKethan to be any better? I don’t think so.
The solution to the guard vacancy? Enter Jackson, who is five years younger than Glowinski. Drafted out of Ohio State in 2020, he was a solid left guard for the Detroit Lions these past few years. Pass protection was a clear struggle for him last season, but played well enough to help the Lions get to the NFC Championship.
He dealt with injuries last season, and already having one of the most expensive offensive lines in the league led to Jackson walking into free agency.
Currently, the Giants have no solution at left or right guard. Whether they address the position in the draft is yet to be seen. But, the uber-athletic Jackson is someone the Giants need to sign to solve one side of the line, at the very least.
Edge Rusher Danielle Hunter
The former Minnesota Viking is another player the Giants need on their roster. With uncertainty at the edge position (Azeez Ojulari‘s injury history + are we trusting Boogie Basham? No.), they could use a potent edge rusher opposite of Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Enter Hunter, who would bolster the Giants pass rush dramatically. A 78.0 PFF grade didn’t rank among the best in the league but was solid enough to be in the top 30.
2023 was a career year for Hunter. He set career highs in combined tackles (83), solo tackles (54), assisted tackles (29) and sacks (16.5). His career-high 23 tackles for a loss led the league and his 86 quarterback pressures were fourth in the NFL, according to Next Gen Stats.
The last time the Giants had a formidable pass rush, was the days of Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul. Hunter and Thibodeaux could be the next version of those two if New York goes that route.
Will he cost a luxury? Yes. Was he good against the run? Not necessarily. Average, at best. But, a player of his caliber is something you can’t let go somewhere else. Use the cap room you have, and get this done.
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Featured Image: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
