Close Article Return to stream X
NFL

Olivier Vernon And 4 Other Free Agents The New York Giants Must Pursue In 2016 Offseason

+Read full article

The New York Giants will enter the 2016 offseason with close to $60 million in salary cap space, a number that could go up with the expected contract restructure of Victor Cruz. They also have 29 free agents of all types and need to fill three holes created by the cuts of Will Beatty, Geoff Schwartz and Jon Beason. That is over half of their roster. You can bet the Giants will be active this offseason. And if they want to reverse their fortunes of the last three seasons, here are five free agents the Giants must pursue.

5. Olivier Vernon, DE

Olivier Vernon, DE Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Vernon led all 4-3 DEs since Week 8 in quarterback pressures. He recorded 7.5 sacks and 30 quarterback hits last season and would instantly upgrade the Giants' pass rush. He could also be poised for a breakout season.

Vernon led all 4-3 DEs since Week 8 in quarterback pressures. He recorded 7.5 sacks and 30 quarterback hits last season and would instantly upgrade the Giants' pass rush. He could also be poised for a breakout season.

4. Sean Smith, CB

Sean Smith, CB Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Forget his DUI form 2014; Smith is one of the most underrated corners in the game. He has missed one game, aside from his suspension. He also ranked third in YAC in coverage last year. He would be an upgrade over Prince Amukamara.

Forget his DUI form 2014; Smith is one of the most underrated corners in the game. He has missed one game, aside from his suspension. He also ranked third in YAC in coverage last year. He would be an upgrade over Prince Amukamara.

3. Mitchell Schwartz, RT

Mitchell Schwartz, RT Getty Images
The Giants need a right tackle. Schwartz is the best right tackle on the market and has never missed a game. Health and talent? That's exactly what the Giants need.

The Giants need a right tackle. Schwartz is the best right tackle on the market and has never missed a game. Health and talent? That's exactly what the Giants need.

2. Marvin Jones, WR

Marvin Jones, WR Getty Images
The Giants need a second option at WR. Jones would be an excellent complement to Odell Beckham Jr. He has the ability to turn a short gain into a long one and would improve Giants' short passing game.

The Giants need a second option at WR. Jones would be an excellent complement to Odell Beckham Jr. He has the ability to turn a short gain into a long one and would improve Giants' short passing game.

1. Danny Trevathan, LB

Danny Trevathan, LB Getty Images
The Giants' linebacker corps is a mess. Trevathan would be an excellent fit given his pass coverage skills and his play against the run. He is exactly what the Giants need at the position.

The Giants' linebacker corps is a mess. Trevathan would be an excellent fit given his pass coverage skills and his play against the run. He is exactly what the Giants need at the position.

Your Favorites