The NFL offseason will kick into high gear next week with the annual NFL Scouting Combine, when the entire league converges upon Indianapolis.
The combine is about evaluating prospects for April’s NFL Draft, but it is also the unofficial start of free agency, as teams and agents meet to get rough estimates about the market ahead of the start of the legal tampering period on March 7, and the start of free agency on March 9.
What do Giants cuts mean for JPP?
Over the next few days, the Giants’ offseason outlook for each position group will be examined. Here’s the rundown on the safeties:
GIANTS SAFETIES OFFSEASON OUTLOOK:
Giants under contract: Andrew Adams (through 2018/RFA); Nat Berhe (2017); Landon Collins (2018); Rahim Moore (futures); Ryan Murphy (futures); Eric Pinkins (2017/RFA); Darian Thompson (2020); Mykkele Thompson (2018).
Giants free agents: None.
Position priority: Low. The Giants appear set at the position. They have an All-Pro playmaker (Collins), a promising second-year ballhawk (Darian Thompson) and reserves with starting experience (Adams and Berhe). Mykkele Thompson remains a mystery after having his first two seasons short-circuited by injuries, and Pinkins is an athletic, physical player with upside. The one thing the Giants lacked at safety last season was a veteran presence, but Moore could end up providing that.
Top free agents: Eric Berry (Chiefs); Barry Church (Cowboys); Tony Jefferson (Cardinals); T.J. McDonald (Rams).
NFL top 50 free agents in 2017
Second-tier free agents: Nate Allen (Raiders); Chris Conte (Buccaneers); John Cyprien (Jaguars); Duron Harmon (Patriots); Bacarri Rambo (Dolphins); D.J. Swearinger (Cardinals).
What to expect in the offseason: Not much. Safety is a position the Giants are set at with both starters in place, as well as several proven reserves behind them. The Giants likely won’t be very active, if at all, in pursuing free agents at the position.
Draft strategy: If the Giants pick a safety, it would likely be more of a free safety or a cornerback/safety hybrid. The one area where they could look to add would be behind Darian Thompson.
James Kratch may be reached at jkratch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JamesKratch. Find our Giants coverage on Facebook.
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