The 2023 season has just ended, and on February 20, the 2024 campaign will open its doors. DNA of Sports therefore takes this opportunity to offer you an overview of the different franchises during the offseason. Which players to keep and cut? Which free agents to extend? Which recruits to observe? Here are some ideas, franchise by franchise. In the spotlight today, the New York Giants.
The Giants' 2023 season should be one of confirmation, it is ultimately one of disappointment. Brian Daboll's men have had a catastrophic season on all fronts (injury to Daniel Jones, humiliating defeats, tensions within the staff). The upcoming offseason should see the arrival of a new quarterback. But, is it for development 1 year behind Daniel Jones, or a starting place next season?
The captains
- Dexter Lawrence (DT)
- Bobby Okereke (LB)
- Andrew Thomas (OT)
No doubt, the best players in the squad are in defense. Despite a 2023 season below last year in statistical terms, the whimsical Dexter Lawrence is still the cornerstone of the defensive line. Even more so since the departure of Leonard Williams.
Criticized at the start of the season after his arrival with fanfare from the Colts, Bobby Okereke nevertheless had the best season of his career. The linebacker became the defensive leader the Giants needed.
With one of the worst attacks in 2023, it's difficult to pick out a name among the offensive satisfactions. Extended last summer, Andrew Thomas was missed when he was not on the field. When he was there, players in key positions faced less pressure. Proof that it is essential.
The undesirables
- Darius Slayton (WR)
- Mark Glowinski (OL)
- Aaron Robinson (CB)
With young receivers, keeping him would not be wise. Despite his status as the best receiver in terms of yards, Darius Slayton no longer has this room for improvement and could be cut (or traded). Coming to the end of his 3-year contract at the end of the 2024 season, Mark Glowinski is an experienced, but expensive, player. With its cuts (or restructuring), New York could save $12 million. Not insignificant if we want to attract big fish to the market.
Selected in the 3rd round of the 2021 Draft, having not seen the field in 2023, it is difficult to see how Aaron Robinson could remain in the squad. After Deonte Banks' good season, and while waiting for the emergence of Tre Hawkins, the cornerback, often injured, could be thanked by the franchise. Hiring a new defensive coordinator could save him only if he performs to his advantage during the offseason. But, he comes from very far away.
Men of Summer: Darren Waller (TE) and Evan Neal (OT)
Arriving with great fanfare last offseason, Darren Waller showed sparingly that he can be this number 1 receiver. With 552 yards and 1 touchdown, the results are mixed, and the player can do better. But with Daniel Jones in uncertain form at the start of the 2024 season, can he still be this imposing double Pro Bowler tight end who can unlock compromised situations?
Selected in the first round in 2022 to stabilize the offensive line, Evan Neal is having a complicated first seasons in New York. Irregular, not confident, injured at the end of last season, the tackle is given a new chance to shine. With a new offensive line coach, he no longer has any excuses, and must justify a significant investment.
Main free agents
1. Saquon Barkley (RB)
2. Xavier McKinney (S)
3. Adoree Jackson (CB)
4. Ben Bredeson (OL)
5. Tyrod Taylor (QB)
Other free agents: Jihad Ward (EDGE), Isaiah Simmons (LB), Sterling Shepard (WR), Parris Campbell (WR), Matt Peart (OT), Justin Pugh (OL), Darnay Holmes (CB), Isaiah Hodgins (WR , restricted), A'Shawn Robinson (DT), Nick McCloud (CB), Matt Breida (RB), Casey Kreiter (LS), Shane Lemieux (OL)
Two headliners on the free agent side in New York. The first is obviously star running back Saquon Barkley. Playing under a tag franchise, the rider can claim a maximum contract… or be tagged again. Except that the 2nd player selected in the 2018 Draft could take it badly if the 2nd case occurs. This tag could therefore go towards Xavier McKinney.
Excellent during 3/4 of the season, the safety would have said not to extend if Don Martindale was kept in his position. With the defensive coordinator no longer there, will he stay? In any case, there will be no shortage of courtiers.
Experienced, Adoree Jackson, Ben Bredeson, but especially Tyrod Taylor should look elsewhere. The case of the quarterback could be subject to debate after the mixed performances of Tommy DeVito. Amongst others free agentsmost could receive an offer to be extended, but only on short contracts.
Needs
1. Receiver
2. Quarterback
3. Offensive Tackle
4. Guard
5. Edge rusher
The general observation is that the team has many shortcomings, and the front office will have to be creative to improve it.
The main needs are in attack, no surprises. Find some playmakers should be the common thread of the Giants’ offseason. However, we must not neglect the lines where we should provide competition and more quality.
Defense shouldn't be neglected either. Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence are going to need more quality alongside them. Often injured, Azeez Ojulari will be in a double or nothing season. The new defensive coordinator already has a good squad. Despite everything, he will have to reinforce it with another pass rusher who could be healthier than the former one from Georgia.
The target: Michael Pittman Jr. (WR, Colts)
Penultimate aerial attack in 2023, the Giants will have to find a receiver. The post lacks in quality and especially in size. Darren Waller could be that man, but the tight end is often injured and he didn't convince during his first season in New York. You therefore need a regular receiver, not often injured, and who can be a reliable target as number 1. A player that Michael Pittman Jr. could be.
In his first 4 seasons, the receiver came out of 2 seasons with more than 1000 yards with quarterbacks who do not represent the elite (Ryan, Wentz, Minshew). Regular, Michael Pittman Jr. can be the number 1 outside target that the Giants are missing. Brian Daboll would have a player of choice for his attack, and a profile completely different from the current squad.
New blood: JJ McCarthy (QB, Michigan)
Mentioned in the introduction, a new quarterback is expected to arrive at the Giants this offseason. If we assume that Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or even Jayden Daniels are already gone, the Giants could turn to a player to develop.
JJ McCarthy has a profile that can divide. A passer profile in the pocket that could contrast with the modern profiles that today's NFL can offer. The university champion quarterback is a leader, and could learn 1 year behind Daniel Jones (or another) before taking the starting place.
The sample size it presents may seem small, as Michigan's style of play is run-based. However, he is capable of brilliant shots and moving his team forward. Limiting errors is one of his qualities. A difference compared to Daniel Jones, whose irregularity could push him towards the exit at the end of the 2024 season.
