New York Giants 2022 Offseason Predictions: Free Agency Edition

Written By Ethan Machado

Overview:

It’s no question that the Giants and new GM Joe Schoen have a tall task ahead of them in rebuilding and turning this team into a future contender. There’s a lot of players that will have to go, and tons of new faces for a team that looks to have a lot of turnover going from one GM to another. So what exactly should the Giants do? I’m going to highlight five things I think the Giants will do this offseason to help turn this franchise around.

1. Sign QB Marcus Mariota

The Giants were doomed from the start when they signed Mike Glennon last offseason to be the backup Quarterback for Daniel Jones. Not only are they nowhere near similar in their playstyles but Glennon was one of the worst backups in the last couple of years. The Giants want to try and evaluate Daniel Jones this season in a last ditch effort to really see what they have with the former top ten pick. However, with Daniel Jones having an injury history, it is extremely irresponsible to leave him without competition or a competent backup. The former number two pick Marcus Mariota is a perfect fit for the team as he has a similar playstyle to Jones, and has proven he can still play in this league as he’s been a quality backup for the Las Vegas Raiders.

Prediction: Marcus Mariota Signs 2 years / 8 million

2. Sign TE Hayden Hurst

Former first round pick Evan Engram is due to be a free agent this offseason. I’d be absolutely astonished if the Giants brought him back. Instead I think the Giants should bring in a sure handed and balanced tight end in Hayden Hurst. Hurst has bounced around recently but has still been fairly decent throughout the course of his career. Hurst is a much better blocker than Evan Engram and will be a cheaper option for the Giants. The Giants likely won’t spend big on a Tight End or spend a high draft pick on one in this year's upcoming draft, which doesn’t feature much talent at the position.

Prediction: Hayden Hurst Signs 2 years / 7 million

3. Sign LB Alexander Johnson

The linebacker position has been one of the weakest for the Giants for a while now. They’ve consistently struggled to find talented players at the position. Recently, their solution has been Blake Martinez. While Martinez has been solid, he’s not a long term solution for the team and he’s fairly expensive. However, like I’ve stated before, this will be a rebuilding year for the Giants and the positions that can’t immediately be filled the Giants will find cheap but sufficient talent to keep the team competitive. Johnson has been a very good linebacker throughout his career and would complement linebacker Blake Martinez well. He isn’t great in pass coverage and that’s one of Johnson’s strong suits. Signing Johnson would keep the Giants competitive and maintain the salary cap at a good point for the future. 

Prediction: Alexander Johnson Signs 3 years / 18 million

4. Trade DB James Bradberry IV

Now I’ll be the first to say that James Bradberry IV has been one of my favorite Giants the last couple of years. However, Bradberry IV will be carrying a cap hit of 21.8 million into next season, which is a lot for a rebuilding team. I could see him being moved to a contending team like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or the Kansas City Chiefs with their need for a premier corner that can follow another team's number one receiver. I could likely see the Giants getting a second or third round pick for Bradberry IV as he is still playing well but is getting higher in age. 

Prediction: James Bradberry IV Traded to the Chiefs (3rd & 4th Round Picks)

5. Trade RB Saquon Barkley

This one hurts, Saquon Barkley has undeniably been a fan favorite of all Giants fans since he was drafted. When he’s healthy, he’s one of the most electrifying players in the NFL. However, that’s the problem, Barkley hasn’t been healthy and has constantly been battling injury since his rookie year. This upcoming season is scheduled to be Barkley’s last as a Giants unless they choose to extend him. I believe that decision is fairly simple, you can’t extend Saquon Barkley. A player like him will demand a large amount of money which the Giants can’t afford to give up at this point. Also, with how easy it is to find talent at the running back position in the NFL there is no point for a rebuilding team to own one of the most expensive backs in the league. Therefore, I think the Giants should do what Gettleman never had the guts to do, trade a fan favorite guy when there’s no chance they’ll be extended in the offseason. We’ve seen it happen time and time again, Landon Collins had many offers at the deadline in his final year, yet the Giants passed and let him go for nothing in the open market. Then again this year when they had a chance to deal Evan Engram but chose not to, and now he’ll likely go for nothing in free agency. I’m a massive fan of Barkley, but at this point he should be moved to a better situation. The Giants should capitalize on the star and gain some capital, likely a third round pick, while they still can while they attempt to rebuild the roster.

Prediction: Saquon Barkley Traded to the Bills (2nd and 6th Round Picks)

Ethan Machado
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