Between now and the start of the new league year in March, TGS is providing brief summaries looking ahead at the offseason from the perspective of each NFL team. In this edition, we look at the New York Giants.
2016 record: 11-5 — 2nd place, NFC East
What’s new? They’re coming off a playoff appearance for the first time in half a decade.
Projected salary cap space: $32 million — Basically middle of the pack.
Key in-house free agents: DE Jason Pierre-Paul, DT Johnathan Hankins, G John Jerry
Key needs: Offensive tackle, wide receiver, tight end, running back, linebacker, defensive line, guard
They can probably afford to lose Pierre-Paul or Hankins, but ideally not both. Whoever they lose, they’ll have to replace. Meanwhile, Victor Cruz, Larry Donnell and Rashad Jennings are already gone and the offensive line is a mess as well. Ereck Flowers might need to move to the right side and they may have to replace Jerry inside.
Draft breakdown: They pick 23rd overall and it’s status quo from there.
Other potential priorities: They might be looking to rein in Odell Beckham Jr., figuratively and literally. The sometimes-misbehaved but extremely talented receiver is entering the final year of his rookie deal.
Outlook: They’ve got some money and not a lot of guys to re-sign, but in order to get better they’ll have to get creative.
