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New York Giants Receive Solid Grade For Free Agency

By Nick Ziegler

Feb 25, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Giants senior vice president and general manager Jerry Reese speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Giants senior vice president and general manager Jerry Reese speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mike Sando of ESPN.com recently graded all 32 NFL teams in free agency. What grade did the New York Giants receive?

After a successful 2016 season, the New York Giants are looking to take another step forward this season.

In the offseason last year, the Giants had a ton of money to spend. With plenty of needs on the defensive side of the ball, that is where most of that money went to. The money spent turned out to be a great decision, as the Giants went from one of the worst defenses in the NFL to one of the best just one season later.

Due to the Giants spending a lot of money last offseason, they didn’t have a ton to spend this offseason. As a playoff team, there weren’t too many glaring holes on the Giants, but there were certainly some areas that could have been improved.

One of the big signings for the Giants was bringing in wide receiver Brandon Marshall. Despite Marshall having a down season in 2016 with the New York Jets, he was an upgrade over Victor Cruz. In addition to signing Marshall from the Jets, the Giants also signed Geno Smith. As a backup, Smith gives the Giants a solid option with some upside in case something happens to Eli Manning.

Mike Sando of ESPN.com gave the Giants a solid grade of a B for their efforts in free agency. Here’s what he had to say about their offseason.

"The Giants’ move to add Olivier Vernon last offseason could have foreshadowed Pierre-Paul’s departure this offseason. Re-upping with Pierre-Paul on a long-term deal made this free agency period a success. The move to add Smith to the quarterback room won’t get much acclaim, but it’s an upgrade with at least some upside. Marshall’s impact on the WR meeting room is hard to gauge, but the risk seems like a worthwhile trade-off for the likely production. The draft features several intriguing running backs and tight ends. That sets up the Giants well."

While the signings of Marshall and Smith were good, the Giants being able to bring back Jason Pierre-Paul with a long-term extension was key. The Giants’ defense was excellent with Pierre-Paul and Olivier Vernon both playing at a high level.

Next: Is Signing Nick Mangold a Good or Bad Idea for NYG?

For the Giants to truly have had a perfect offseason, they would have signed a proven left tackle. Ereck Flowers might still develop into a starting caliber left tackle, but we haven’t seen that yet. Overall, it has been a very solid free agency for the Giants considering their limited cap space.

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