NFL Weekly - Offseason Updates

As the NFL Scouting Combine gets underway this week, the New York Giants are not slowing down their already aggressive stance to prepare for their 2020 season. Unlike many other teams, they’ve already made big and brave changes both among the playing roster and management staff. Let's take a look at the latest news from the Giants and read on to find out our free agency and draft predictions. 

Giant News from the Giants 

Shortly after the 2019 regular season, the Giants started their offseason by firing head coach Pat Shurmur, and taking on the Patriots special teams coordinator, Joe Judge as his replacement.

In addition to the early offseason release of their former head coach, the Giants also waved a farewell to inside quarterback Alec Ogletree and outside hitter Kareem Martin, both veterans of the team. Although saddening for their fans, this was a wise move due to a lack of overall performance and leadership, plus a recent history of injuries slowing them down. 

Cap Advantage Over Free Agents 

The Giants have been busy filling their piggy bank, and with around $62 million with which to enter the 2020 offseason, they were primed to have the seventh most salary-cap space. However, the departure of the two linebackers has now created a further $13 million worth of options bringing the team to the sixth-most cap space out of all 32 teams in the NFL. 

With that amount of cash, the Giants can do just about anything during the NFL Scouting Combine and upcoming NFL Draft. With free agency just around the corner too, there are some big names that the Giants hope to keep in their formation. Restricted free agents such as Jon Halapio, Aldrick Rosas, and Eli Penny all have great potential to be tendered by the Giants.

There are 9 unrestricted in-house free agents, and all eyes are focused on whether and how the Giants will re-sign defensive linemen Leonard Williams. Will they sign a long-term contract with the player by offering him one of the highest salaries in the NFL for his position? Or will they hit him with a franchise tag? 

NFL Draft Needs and Wants 

New York is staying very tight-lipped when it comes to who they are aiming to draft. However, after Oshane Ximines flaky performance during 2019, it’s apparent that a more aggressive edge rusher is needed to fight off their rivals. 

Michael Divinity is the favorite choice to fill the position of Linebacker, and Austin Jackson is finally within the Giant’s reach this year. Offensive tackle Andre Thomas could also be a wise addition to the team.

It’s All Coming to a Head! 

The wait is nearly over to find out the answers to all the big questions surrounding the 2020  season for the Giants. Stay tuned for more

as we enter the NFL Scouting Combine, and the NFL drafts get underway, not to mention the free agency period. Exciting times!