With NFL free agency set to kick off on March 11, we look at six players the New York Giants could target on the 2024 open market.
This will be an interesting next few weeks for the New York Giants because after a 6-11 finish this past season they clearly need to make some upgrades to the roster. Heading into the offseason, the offensive line and pass rush are two spots the front office is reportedly prioritizing.
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However, they may need to fill some huge holes if running back Saquon Barkley and safety Xavier McKinney find better offers from rival teams in free agency. Filling all of their various needs won’t be possible since the team has just over $38 million to spend (via OverTheCap) and will have to give some of that to their 2024 rookie class.
That is why general manager Joe Schoen and his brain trust will need to be creative with their money and use it on players who can make a maximum impact, or spread it around to some useful veterans. With that in mind, let’s look at six players the New York Giants could target in 2024 NFL free agency.
6 players the New York Giants could target in NFL free agency
D’Andre Swift
Former Detroit Lions second-round pick D’Andre Swift had a breakout season in his first and maybe lone season with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023-24. The undersized back ran for over 1,000 yards for the first time and also reeled in 39 catches for 214 yards. And the outstanding season led to a Pro Bowl trip for the 25-year-old this year.
Swift could be an interesting option to replace Barkley since he offers a similar skillset but would come at a lower rate than the Giants star may get in free agency. With running back values as low as ever, Swift could make an impact at a price that would make him a steal.
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Jonah Jackson
The Giants could use upgrades on a few spots on the offensive line for 2024, however, they have a big hole at left guard that Lions veteran Jonah Jackson might be a perfect fit for. The 27-year-old earned Pro Bowl honors in 2021 and has started in 57 games during his four-year career. He is a rock-solid player who is entering his prime, addresses a notable need, and would not be as pricey as a free agent tackle.
Odell Beckham Jr.
The New York Giants need more weapons in the passing game to go along with potential rich 2023 rookie Jalin Hyatt. The team has to make the most of the money they have, which is why using some of their funds on less pricey veteran receivers could be a way they go, and Odell Beckham Jr. would be an interesting option.
The team was seriously interested in him when he was on a free-agent tour in 2022. That opinion may not have changed much and the organization could be even more interested since Beckham should come at a more affordable rate after a mediocre season with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023-24. OBJ is a very different man than he was during his first stint in New York and likely would be open to mentoring their young receivers with his career in its final chapters.
Michael Onwenu
New England Patriots tackle Michael Onwenu would be a fantastic addition to the G-Men. He can play tackle or guard and would address a major weakness for their offense. He is only 26 and has the potential to be even better than he has been thus far during his career. The only issue may be that they could have serious competition for the 2020 sixth-round pick since tackles are always a premium position of need throughout the league every offseason.
Stephon Gilmore
Both Xavier McKinney and Adoree’ Jackson are free agents this year. The team could very well lose both and not be able to fill those spots with players in the same age bracket. That is why they may need to be clever and take a flier on aging five-time Pro Bowler Stephon Gilmore. He isn’t the player he once was but he can still be a positive addition to the secondary in 2024 and at an affordable rate in this market.
Chase Young
Chase Young won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2020 and seemed primed to be the next big star in the league. However, an ACL tear limited him to just 11 games in 2021 and 2022 and he did not seem to have the same impact as many expected last season. The Giants could take a chance and hope the Commanders veteran gets back to the player people saw four years ago at the perfect time for them in 2024.