The New York Giants may look at the free agent market this offseason and players like CJ Spiller, Jordan Cameron, Shane Vereen, BJ Raji and Mark Ingram could be potential options, while an Eli Manning contract extension could be in the works and this comes as Jason Pierre-Paul and Antrel Rolle are entering free agency.
The Giants come into the offseason after missing the playoffs for the third straight year and that puts pressure on Tom Coughlin for 2015. Coughlin was brought back after some speculation about his job security and after going 6-10 in 2014, the Giants need to show improvement. Eli Manning had a bounce back year after struggling in 2013 and the team found a new star in Odell Beckham Jr.
Dan Graziano at ESPN.com was asked about potential free agent options for the Giants this offseason and he mentioned names like Doug Free, Bryan Bulaga and Frank Gore as possible targets. The Giants may have around $20 million to work with in free agency depending on what moves they make and that could enable them to sign some solid players. Gore could be an option if he doesn't cost too much, as the Giants need more of a running game, while Pierre-Paul and Rolle are options to return.
Pierre-Paul had 16.5 sacks in 2011 when the Giants won the Super Bowl and if they sign him back they are hoping he is more like that player rather than what happened the next two seasons. Rolle said he wants to return, but he likely will have to take a pay cut to do it. Thurmond signed a one year deal last year and was injured early in the season and he has also expressed interest in returning.
The Giants also have the chance to work on an Eli Manning extension since he is coming into the final year of his contract and that could also give the team cap space. Manning has one year left on his deal and has a cap number near $20 million and if he gets that down a bit it would give the Giants some flexibility moving forward. This season ended up being a significant one for Eli Manning, as he had his worst season last year with 27 interceptions and 57 percent completion percentage. Manning bounced back and threw 30 TDs for the first time since 2010 and he had over 4400 yards, his highest total in four years.
The Giants have a top 10 pick in the draft this year and there have been a number of names that have come up in early mock drafts, including Landon Collins, Vic Beasley, Shaq Thompson and Brandon Scherff as potential selections. Jerry Reese often goes for the best player on the board over need and that clearly worked out last season with Odell Beckham Jr. Mel Kiper Jr. thinks that the team should take Iowa tackle Brandon Scherff, as they need help on the offensive line, but if Devante Parker or Beasley are on the board, Reese could go that way as well.
