New York Giants Offseason: Reviewing the Interior Offensive Line
By Sean Dyer
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Free Agency: Andrew Norwell, Josh Kline, Jack Mewhort, Brandon Fusco, Josh Sitton
The reason Justin Pugh will be signing elsewhere this offseason is that the New York Giants will be backing up the Brink’s truck to sign Andrew Norwell. Norwell was a First-Team All-Pro in 2017 at left guard and was signed as an undrafted free agent by Dave Gettleman in Carolina.
As long as the Panthers don’t use their franchise tag on him, Norwell will be hitting the open market and the Giants plan to make him the highest-paid guard in the NFL.
If Norwell gets tagged or another team outbids the Giants, there are a few other options.
Josh Kline has been an above average right guard for the Titans. He is one of the better pass blocking guards in the league but struggles in the running game. Although the Giants need linemen who can open up holes in the running game, Kline would be a welcomed addition to the passing game, especially with right tackle still up in the air.
Jack Mewhort came into the league in 2014 and had two great seasons for the Colts before knee injuries limited him over the last two years. When healthy, Mewhort is one of the best young guards in the league and has experience on both the left and right side.
Like Pugh, injury concerns are the biggest red flag for Mewhort. If he proves healthy, however, he could be a legitimate free agent target for Big Blue. Mewhort was at his best in 2014 and 2015 when working with Hal Hunter who is now the Giants offensive line coach.
Brandon Fusco was a long-time starter for the Vikings before starting for the 49ers last season. He’s been a bit inconsistent over his career but could be a short-term option if the Giants can’t secure any of the top free agents.
Josh Sitton is the newest addition to the list of free agent guards after the Bears declined his $8 million option for 2018. Sitton is a four-time Pro Bowler who says he still has “prime years” left in his career. At 31 years old, Sitton is older than the other guards we’ve mentioned but he has an impressive NFL track record and would be an upgrade to the Giants offensive line.
If the Giants don’t sign Norwell, their No. 2 option should be bringing back Pugh over any of these other free agents with Mewhort being option 2 B.