New York Giants Rumors: Making Run At Olivier Vernon?
New York Giants Rumors: With Janoris Jenkins signed, the Giants will turn their attention to pass rushers; is Olivier Vernon where they will focus their efforts?
New York Giants rumors are swirling as NFL Free Agency has officially opened for business today. The Giants have a ton of cap space to work with, and are expected to be big players in the free agent market as they look to add talent to a depleted roster. One of the areas of need for the Giants is the defensive line, more specifically a need for pass rushers.
The Giants started to fill that need when they re-signed defensive tackle Jason Pierre-Paul on Tuesday. Despite his hand being destroyed last summer in a Fourth of July fireworks accident, Pierre-Paul still graded out positively and was active on the field. He signed a one-year prove it deal, but the Giants need someone to bookend him as a hampered Pierre-Paul will not get the job done alone.
Luckily for the Giants, there are some pass rushing options on the free agent market. Atop that list is Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon. Vernon had the transition tag placed on him, so he was unable to talk to teams until 4 PM ET today. But, the Dolphins are expected to lift that tag, meaning the Giants will not have to wait and see if the Dolphins would match their offer, and making Vernon available for business shortly.
According to ESPN New York’s Dan Graziano, the Giants are one of those teams that are expected to make a run at Vernon when he is able to talk to teams.
The Giants plan to make a run at DE Olivier Vernon, but transition tag prohibits them from talking to agent until 4 pm ET.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) March 9, 2016
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Vernon would immediately step into the Giants’ starting lineup across from Pierre-Paul. He is an up-and-coming pass rusher, as he has piled up 25.5 sacks in the last three seasons, including a career-high 11.5 in 2013. At only 25-years of age right now, Vernon could be a cornerstone of the Giants’ defense for years to come.
The defensive line has always been the building block for the Giants as a franchise. When they are successful, it is because they have a dominant pass rush with a front four that creates pressure without needing to blitz. In recent seasons that production has fallen off, so the Giants need to restock the pass rushing cupboard.
If the Giants are able to land Vernon, it would be a strong addition to their roster. The Giants have struggled in the trenches in recent seasons, so adding someone with the pass rushing skills of Vernon would be a big help.
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With Janoris Jenkins already in the fold, as he signed with the Giants for a massive five year, $62.5 million contract, the Giants crossed one need off their list with a top-flight cornerback. If they could also land Vernon, they would be well on their way to reshaping a defense that needs a lot of retooling.