The New York Giants are clearly in a transition period after head coach Tom Coughlin stepped down, and the focus solely turned to general manager Jerry Reese, as the Giants roster was in need of some significant upgrades this offseason.
The Giants general manager delivered on the first day of free agency, landing three of the top free agents on the open market. The team's first big move on Wednesday was former Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins, who they locked up with a five-year contract worth a reported $62.5 million. Next, the Giants front office addressed their defensive line, as they reached agreements with both defensive end Olivier Vernon and defensive tackle Damon Harrison.
The Giants may have overpaid with the three signings, but in reality, that is part of process in NFL free agency, as New York would have likely lost those players to other franchises had they not given those offers. Harrison's contract is worth $46 million over five years, and Vernon's was a record setting contract for a defensive end with $85 million over five years and $52.5 million guaranteed.
The Giants front office is building a strong foundation led by their pass rush, and the moves makes sense, as New York won their two Super Bowls during the 2011 and 2007 season due to a strong pass rush and strong play from quarterback Eli Manning. The Giants have also re-signed defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul in a one-year prove it deal, and the talented pass rusher has already undergone another surgery on his hand and is hopeful to play with a modified glove in 2016 instead of full club.
Pierre-Paul showed his ability to shed offensive tackles and get behind the line of scrimmage at the end of last season, but he struggled to wrap up on tackles with the full club that would have resulted in sacks or tackles for loss. The Giants defensive line took a huge leap in talent this week, and it will be interesting to see how this new defense comes together under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
While the Giants defensive line has vastly improved, their secondary has also seen a strong improvement by adding Jenkins. With players like Jenkins, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Landon Collins at the back end of New York's defense, there should be a significant improvement from the league's worst defense in term of yards allowed per game last season.
The Giants still need help at the linebacker position prior to next season, and it wouldn't be surprising if New York targeted Ohio State linebacker Darron Lee or Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland with their first round pick. The Giants still have cap space to bolster positions like wide receiver, offensive line and linebacker, and while the Giants may seem liked they overpaid Wednesday, they really did what was necessary to build the franchise. The team finished with a 6-10 record for the second consecutive season last year but should be considered a favorite in a weak NFC East next season, as its free agent signings could make it one of the most improved teams in 2016.
