The Giants are looking for new safeties for the next couple of days that they can acquire by trade or through waiver claims, according to Dianna Russini of ESPN.
The Giants traded up in the 2015 NFL Draft to take Landon Collins out of Alabama. The All-American safety had a total of 99 tackles and 3 interceptions his junior season before deciding to entire the draft. The Giants are banking on Collins as they are weak in the secondary position.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is returning to the G-men this season, and he has plenty of issues to fix on defense. The Giants play a base 4-3 defense, putting more pressure on the secondary to cover. While the Giants have Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Prince Amukamara at the cornerback positions, they are really lacking at the safety positions.
The bigger issue that is likely sparking the Giants to go out and look for a corner is health concerns with Collins. In the first preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Collins suffered a sprained MCL, but he has returned since then to get more experience. The Giants stated that Collins is fine and feeling more confident in their system.
Seeing a top draft pick being heavily relied upon has probably made coaches for the Giants realize that they need an insurance plan. Behind Collins at the free safety position is Cooper Taylor and Stevie Brown. Brown has the most experience behind Collins, and back in 2012 he grabbed eight interceptions. Brown was cut by the Texans this preseason, who signed him in May, but he found himself back with the Giants fairly quick, as they are in need of safeties and know what Brown brings.
At the strong safety position, the Giants have Jeromy Miles and Brandon Meriweather. These two have years in the league and are probably not concerning the coaching staff as much, but the Giants need big plays from these two as the teams will try to attack their secondary.
Collins will be key to the Giants success, at least for the pass defense, and his health will be a major concern for both coaches and fans. The Giants are trying to find someone fast to fill behind Collins, as this is likely a concern they want solved before their trip to Dallas.
