New York Giants: Top five free-agent cornerback targets
By Ed Stein
The New York Giants defense struggled greatly at times in 2019, especially in pass coverage. Unless something unexpected happens, the prospects where the G-Men pick, are unlikely to be impact players. Their best bet for an upgrade is through free agency.
In 2019, not only did the New York Giants defense do a poor job covering receivers, they couldn’t get pressure on the quarterback either. Those were the big reasons why the Big Blue defense struggled. They had a total of 9 interceptions which placed the G-Men 25nd in the NFL. Their failure in coverage was a huge factor as to why they only had 36 sacks. Opponents were rarely forced into making mistakes.
Big Blue was led by Janoris Jenkins’ four interceptions, tied for the best single-season total of his career. Linebacker Ryan Connelly had a pair of picks. No one else on the team had more than than 1. To add insult to injury Jenkins was given his walking papers after Week 14 due to an intolerant tweet by him. A rotating pool of young cornerbacks played opposite Jackrabbit, with poor results. 2019 first-round pick DeAndre Baker was particularly disappointing.
There are a few good corners in the draft. Jeff Okudah from Ohio State is the big prize in that area, and Big Blue would love to have him. but the Detroit Lions are expected to select him third overall, one pick ahead of the Giants. The next best cornerback CJ Henderson from Florida isn’t worthy of such a high pick. That leaves the free agent market for New York Giants General Manager Dave Gettleman to upgrade their pass coverage.
There are a few good corners available when their contracts expire this spring. Of course, they will be paid at a premium, but the G-Men have an estimated $58-$61M available according to Sportrac, which is approximately 30 percent of the projected cap. Here are the top five cornerbacks the G-Men should consider signing when free agency opens.