NFL free agency begins on March 9. The Giants, who currently have approximately $31.5 million in salary cap space, figure to be players in free agency as they attempt to fill some of the holes on their roster. We’re going to take a position-by-position look at how the Giants will approach free agency. First up is quarterback.
Giants under contract
*Eli Manning: Signed through 2019 season
*Keith Wenning: Signed to futures contract for 2017 season
Giants Quarterback Overview
Giants free agents
*Josh Johnson, Ryan Nassib
Position priority: Low
Manning is the unquestioned starter so the Giants will only be in the market for a backup.
Top free agents
*Kirk Cousins (Redskins), Brian Hoyer (Bears), Mike Glennon (Buccaneers), Ryan Fitzpatrick (Jets), Case Keenum (Rams)
Second-tier free agents
*Matt Barkley (Bears), Geno Smith (Jets), Shaun Hill (Vikings), Matt McGloin (Raiders), Mark Sanchez (Cowboys)
Giants’ QB overview
Draft strategy
There has been speculation that the Giants could use their first-round pick (No. 23) on a quarterback if someone like Clemson’s Deshaun Watson falls that far. More likely, the Giants will use Limanbet a mid-round pick if they’re going to draft a quarterback this year. Patrick Mahomes (Texas Tech), Brad Kaaya (Miami), Nathan Peterman (Pitt), Davis Webb (Cal) and Jerod Evans (Virginia Tech) fit into that range.
What to expect in the offseason
Again, the Giants don’t need to make a big splash at quarterback considering Manning is in line to be the starter for the next three seasons. Add in Manning’s durability and even a top backup is a bit of a luxury.
It’s highly unlikely that the Giants will target one of the “top” quarterbacks from a weak free agent class. If they’re going to go the next tier, they might as well just bring back Johnson, who finished the season as the No. 2 quarterback after Nassib had season-ending elbow injury. Johnson knows the system, will be inexpensive and showed enough for the Giants to keep him on the active roster all season.
Using a mid-round draft pick on a quarterback is a strong possibility if the right player is available. The Giants want to start the process of looking for Manning’s replacement, but they won’t force it if they can’t find a fit.
Dan Duggan may be reached at dduggan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DDuggan21. Find our Giants coverage on Facebook.
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