The New York Giants need help on defense. The team finished the 2015 regular season ranked dead last in yards allowed per game (420.3), 30th in points (27.6) and 26th in sacks (27.0). They allowed 30 or more points in four games this year and finished just 6-10 overall, missing the post-season for the fourth consecutive year.
But fear not, Giants fans, for there is hope. New York has a bundle of salary cap space to work with this offseason, and general manager Jerry Reese may be aggressive in free agency this year. At least, that's what ESPN Giants reporter Dan Graziano is predicting.
"The Giants will be major players in free agency," Graziano wrote. "Or at least they'll try to be. They may not be as appealing a destination as they used to be, but they will try to spend their nearly $60 million in cap room to upgrade their defense by playing at the top of the safety and pass-rusher market. Expect to hear them associated with safety Eric Berry if he makes it to the market, along with defensive end Olivier Vernon. It'll be interesting to see if the Giants re-sign Jason Pierre-Paul. They may not be able to get their top targets, but the Giants know they need at least a half-dozen new starters on defense."
The Kansas City Chiefs will surely do everything they can to keep Berry in town. Following his battle with cancer, Berry returned this year and was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year. He finished the season with 61 tackles and two interceptions. It's doubtful that KC will let him get away.
Vernon, on the other hand, has a legit shot at hitting the open market. The Miami Dolphins are trying to figure out how to unclog their bloated cap sheet this offseason, and they may not have enough space to fit in a lucrative new deal for the talented 25-year-old pass rusher. His addition would be a major victory for the Giants.
