Top 5 Remaining Offseason Priorities For New York Giants

New York Giants Remaining Offseason Needs

The New York Giants run their business with minimal levels of media attention. This creates a well-functioning organization that—like the New England Patriots—is able to conduct business in a fashion that they see fit.

That being said, the Giants' offseason has been one of atypical publicity levels—the Victor Cruz contract dispute has dominated media headlines in New York more than anything else. Moreover, Osi Umenyiora’s departure caused some controversy when he took to twitter to praise his new team—the Atlanta Falcons—while taking a subtle jab at his former team, the Giants.

But, the Giants have also done some productive things this offseason. They drafted a solid 2013 class of players, they signed a potential starter in Dan Connor and they released or restructured the contracts of many younger players.

That being said, the intent of this slideshow is to chronicle the top five things that the Giants must accomplish before the preseason commences.

For the Giants, it is becoming a trend that—with Eli Manning at quarterback—a playoff berth is always expected. Coming off a 9-7 season where they missed the playoff mark—unlike their Super Bowl winning 2011 campaign—the following are all things that the Giants must accomplish if they are to make a successful push to the playoffs in 2013.

For the Giants, these five things need to be done. If they are able to achieve the following tasks, then the likelihood of their usurping the reigning NFC East Champion Washington Redskins will increase.

Resign Hakeem Nicks

With Cruz’s deal still needing completion, it is unlikely that the Giants are worrying about Nicks’ current situation. But, the Giants other star wideout is set to become a free agent after 2013. The Giants offense showed signs of futility when Nicks was injured last season—they’ll want to get him on the roster long term and reclaim the success that the Cruz-Nicks duo had in 2011.

Sign a Third Running Back

Andre Brown and David Wilson will surely occupy most of the playing time in 2013. But, the Giants must be prepared if one of those players gets injured. They hosted Tim Hightower earlier this offseason, but will he be the person to fill the need?

Add Depth at Cornerback

Javon Hosley has shown flashes of brilliance, but their roster at cornerback is thin with talent. It behooves the Giants to add roster depth for training camp competition—if for no other purpose.

Bring In More Linebackers

The Giants just signed Aaron Curry, but it is unlikely that he will be a viable option as a starter in the middle of the Giants defense. Dan Connor might pan out, but it would benefit the Giants to bring in more talent for an open competition.

Resign Victor Cruz

This seems to be a given. But, Cruz has been the Giants most dynamic playmaker over the course of the last two seasons. To avoid a lengthy holdout or a possible exit, the Giants must reach an agreement with Cruz as soon as possible.