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New York Giants: What’s next in free agency?

By Ryan Disdier

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As soon as free agency officially started, the New York Giants splurged on five players. The Giants used over $50 million on those five players (Shane Vereen, Dwayne Harris, Marshall Newhouse, J.T. Thomas and Jonathan Casillas), and it’s very possible none of them start.

The rather lucrative deals for role players has some concerned, but they are somewhat warranted.

I love the Vereen deal, as I think it’s filled with positives.

The Giants likely believe Steve Spagnuolo can get the most out of guys like Thomas and Casillas, much like he was able to with Kawika Mitchell in 2007. The Harris deal is a bit more perplexing, but it’s a move to add more insurance if Victor Cruz‘s injury is a lingering one.

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Harris is also an incredibly effective special teams player, and he will almost certainly be the main kick and punt returner.

Something fans were concerned about was that New York neglected to sign a safety in the earliest stage of free agency.

So what’s next for New York?

Well, safety remains an issue, and the team obviously knows that. Despite what the first juncture of free agency would suggest, not every player has to sign within the first few hours of free agency.

With that being said, the Giants don’t exactly have a fortune to work with, as it’s estimated by numerous outlets that they are around $10 million under the cap. However, they can always create more room if necessary.

The Giants have also locked up two in-house free agents, as fullback Henry Hynoski and linebacker Mark Herzlich were re-signed Wednesday, per multiple outlets’ reports. The signings were smart moves by the Giants.

Herzlich is more than reliable against the run, and he’s a great player to have in the locker room. When healthy, Hynoski is one of the better, nastier, fullbacks in the NFL.

Unfortunately, the Giants also lost two defensive backs. Walter Thurmond III reportedly signed a one-year deal with the Eagles. Thurmond’s departure is not going to break the defense, but it will hurt.

Losing Antrel Rolle, though, is a significant blow to the defense. According to multiple outlets, Rolle signed a three-year deal with the Bears late Wednesday night. Replacing Rolle, both on the field and in the locker room, will not be easy task for the Giants.

New York seems to be looking to address its defense as a whole, but defensive line and safety still remain the biggest areas of need.

Dec 21, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Baltimore Ravens free safety

Darian Stewart

(24) makes an interception during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Rahim Moore, Ron Parker and most recently, Darian Stewart have all been linked to the Giants by various outlets, so it’s possible any of those names sign with New York. The only problem is that money is tight, so the immensely talented Moore might command more money than Parker, 27, and Stewart, 26.

Parker, according to various outlets, has garnered interest from a bevy of teams, including the Giants. Corey Washington, who went to the same college as Parker (Newberry College), spoke with Parker about joining the Giants, according to the New York Daily News.

Stewart would be an interesting addition, Spagnuolo, was Stewart’s position coach last year in Baltimore.

Stewart isn’t Ed Reed, and he’s not even Will Hill. But he is a reliable player who is familiar with the DC, and he will likely come at a – relatively – cheap price.

As for the defensive line, the Giants lost out on defensive tackle Dan Williams to the Raiders, so you can take his name off the list of possible additions.

Greg Hardy is still available, but the Giants probably don’t want the baggage — many outlets expect Hardy serve a one-to-two game suspension — that comes along with the talented pass rusher.

George Johnson is a name to keep an eye on, and he would be a great addition to the defensive line rotation.

An interesting rumor, and it appears to be only that, was that the Giants were engaged in trade talks with the New Orleans Saints regarding defensive end Cameron Jordan. Again, it was apparently nothing more than a rumor, but considering the Saints said everyone is available (Jimmy Graham, whispers of a Drew Brees trade), there’s certainly a chance.

Adding Cameron would be invaluable to the Giants defensive line, as a unit consisting of Jordan, Jason Pierre-Paul, Robert Ayers Jr., Damontre Moore and Johnathan Hankins would be lethal, and it would give Spagnuolo his best chance of success.

Obviously, nothing is set in stone now, and it won’t be until a deal is finalized (I’m looking at you, Frank Gore!). Although it’s just a rumor at the moment, anything can happen in the NFL.

As for now, though, we’ll just have to wait and see.

Next: New York Giants: Addition of Shane Vereen a big positive

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