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The New York Giants have been busy during the 2023 offseason, with General Manager Joe Schoen securing a deal with quarterback Daniel Jones just before the franchise-tag deadline. Jones has signed a lucrative four-year, $160 million deal, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. Additionally, New York used the franchise tag on running back Saquon Barkley, who will earn $10.1 million if he plays on the tag in 2023. These moves guarantee that the Giants will have their two best offensive players in the fold for the upcoming season.
Despite the high cost of these moves, they still have a respectable amount of cap space, with a little under $19 million available. This should allow them to make significant moves in free agency if they're creative with their contract structuring.
While New York has already addressed their most significant free-agent concerns, including Jones and Barkley, they still have a few notable contributors heading into the market. Center Jon Feliciano and several wide receivers, including Richie James and Darius Slayton, are scheduled to be free agents. It's unclear whether the Giants will retain these players or pursue upgrades in free agency.
Defensively, the Giants could potentially lose starting safety Julian Love, backup safety Tony Jefferson, and cornerback Fabian Moreau in the secondary alone. Pass-rusher Oshane Ximines and linebacker Jaylon Smith are also headed to the market. While they can find upgrades for most of their impending free agents, they should focus on bolstering a passing attack that ranked 27th in net yards gained per attempt last season (5.5).
Giants' Biggest Needs
The Giants' biggest need heading into free agency is a wide receiver, as their receiving corps was one of the league's most underwhelming last season. Even if they retain both James and Slayton, adding to the receiver room in free agency and the draft would be wise.
While there isn't a true No. 1 receiver heading into free agency, signing a high-end No. 2 receiver like JuJu Smith-Schuster or Jakobi Meyers could still be advisable. Trading for DeAndre Hopkins may be the best option to gain a true no.1 unless they are thinking of trading up in the NFL Draft.
In addition to wide receivers, Schoen should also consider adding a quality receiving tight end to the roster. Rookie Daniel Bellinger showed flashes of potential in 2022, but he also missed time with an eye injury and finished with a mere 268 yards and one touchdown.
Adding a player like Mike Gesicki or Gerald Everett could help take the Giants' offense to the next level, and maybe even contact the Falcons and see if they are all in on Kyle Pitts after they traded for Jonnu Smith.
Overall, New York has made some significant moves this offseason, but there's still work to be done. With some creativity and a few smart signings in free agency, they could be poised to make another playoff run in 2023.
