The new league year is right around the corner.
The NFL calendar officially flips to 2021 on March 17, when all 2020 player contracts expire and thus free agency begins. The league has finally set the salary cap at $182.5 million, down from $198.2 million in 2020 as the league deals with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the placement of the franchise tag on Leonard Williams, the Giants now have 15 players set to become free agents next week.
In anticipation of what has already been a wild offseason for player movement, NFL.com ranked the top 101 free agents of 2021. A few players' names have been crossed off the list, as several free agents have already agreed to deals with new teams. However, other big names remain.
While we wait to see what the team does, Giants.com broke down the roster as it currently stands in the "2021 Free Agency Position Preview" series. Here you will find the Giants' current depth, the team's pending free agents, and the top players available from across the league at each position with analysis from NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal.
The other free agency previews can be found here: offensive playmakers at wide receiver and tight end, edge rushers, quarterbacks and running backs, defensive tackles and linebackers, and defensive backs.
Finally, let's take a look at the offensive linemen.
Offensive Line
Current depth at OT: Andrew Thomas, Matt Peart, Nate Solder, Jackson Barton, Kyle Murphy
Pending free agents: Cameron Fleming
Andrew Thomas was selected with the fourth overall pick in last year's draft and served as the team's starting left tackle as a rookie. Matt Peart was drafted in the third round of last year's draft and played in 11 games during his rookie campaign with one start. Nate Solder signed with the team in 2018 and started all 32 games at left tackle before opting out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jackson Barton was claimed off waivers prior to the start of last season but did not play. Kyle Murphy was signed as an undrafted free agent last year and spent most of the season on the practice squad. Cameron Fleming was signed last offseason and went on to start all 16 games at right tackle. Fleming is set to become a free agent.
Current depth at G: Hernandez, Shane Lemieux, Chad Slade (reserve/future deal), Kenny Wiggins (reserve/future deal)
Pending free agents: None
Will Hernandez was a second-round pick of the Giants in 2018 and has started 39 games over the last three seasons, including seven games in 2020. Shane Lemieux played in 12 games with nine starts after being taken in the fifth round of last year's draft. Chad Slade was signed in 2019 and has spent most of the last two seasons on the practice squad. He was elevated to the active roster for three games in 2020 and was once again signed to a reserve/future deal after the season. Kenny Wiggins spent the second half of the season on the practice squad and was signed to a reserve/future deal at the conclusion of the season. Veteran Kevin Zeitler was released earlier this week after two seasons with the Giants.
Current depth at C: Nick Gates, Jonotthan Harrison
Pending free agents: Spencer Pulley
Nick Gates signed as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He started several games at different positions along the o-line in 2019 before becoming the full-time center in 2020, where he started all 16 games. Jonotthan Harrison was recently signed to a contract to serve as Gates' backup and provide depth across the o-line. Spencer Pulley was claimed off waivers prior to the start of the 2018 season and has played in 17 games with 10 starts since. Pulley is set to become a free agent.
View the team's current depth on the roster along the offensive line
Andrew Thomas
Matt Peart
Nate Solder
Will Hernandez
Shane Lemieux
Nick Gates
Jonotthan Harrison
Jackson Barton
Kyle Murphy
Chad Slade
Kenny Wiggins
Andrew Thomas (78)
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) on the line of scrimmage during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 37-34. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants offensive lineman Andrew Thomas (78) blocks during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020 in Inglewood, Calif. The Rams defeated the Giants 17-9. (Greg Trott via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) during a week 1 regular season Monday Night football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium on September 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants offensive lineman Andrew Thomas is pictured during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Seattle. The Giants won 17-12. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) catches the ball in the endzone during an NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys beat the Giants 37-34. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) during a week 8 regular season Monday Night football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium on November 2nd, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) lines up on the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. Philadelphia won 22-21. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 03: The New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys at Metlife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
New York Giants offensive tackle Matt Peart (74) during a week 14 regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on December 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants tackle Matt Peart (74) blocks during an NFL game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Landover, MD. The Giants defeated Washington 23-20. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Riley Dixon (9), Graham Gano (5), Matt Peart (74)
Matt Peart (74)
New York Giants offensive tackle Matt Peart (74) during a week 6 regular season football game against the Washington Football Team at MetLife Stadium on October 18th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants offensive tackle Matt Peart (74) signals prior to the play during an NFL game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 02, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Buccaneers beat the Giants 25-23. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Matt Peart (74) walks towards the sideline during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. Rams won 17-9. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Matt Peart (74)
New York Giants offensive tackle Matt Peart (74) in action during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020 in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
New York Giants offensive tackle Matt Peart (74) during a week 3 regular season football game against the San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium on September 27h, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) takes part in a week 12 regular season game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Sunday November 24th, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) during a week 16 regular season game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on Sunday December 22nd, 2019 in Landover, Maryland
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) takes part in a week 1 regular season game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Sunday September 8th, 2019 in Arlington, Texas
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) during a week 13 regular season game against the Green Bay Packers at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 1st, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) celebrates a touchdown pass with New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) during a week 16 regular season game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on Sunday December 22nd, 2019 in Landover, Maryland
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants LT Nate Solder (76) during a week 5 game against the Minnesota Vikings at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) blocks during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, in Philadelphia. The Eagles defeated the Giants in overtime, 23-17. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Giants offensive tackle Nate Solder (76) takes part in a week 8 regular season game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday October 27th, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan
New York Giants G Will Hernandez (71) during a week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ
Will Hernandez (71)
New York Giants offensive lineman Will Hernandez (71) lines up against the Cincinnati Bengals during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants defeated the Bengals 19-17. (Joe Robbins via AP)
New York Giants TE Evan Engram (88) & OL Will Hernandez during week 1 game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, TX
New York Giants guard Will Hernandez (71) during a week 14 regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on December 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants guard Will Hernandez (71) during a week 16 regular season game against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field on Sunday December 22nd, 2019 in Landover, Maryland
New York Giants guard Will Hernandez (71) takes part in a week 4 regular season game against the Washington Redskins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday September 29th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Will Hernandez (71)
New York Giants guard Will Hernandez (71) takes part in a week 15 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Sunday December 15, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants guard Will Hernandez (71) takes part in a week 2 regular season game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on Sunday September 15th, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants guard Shane Lemieux (66) during a week 14 regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on December 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants guard Shane Lemieux (66) during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Shane Lemieux (66)
Shane Lemieux (66), Andrew Thomas (78)
Shane Lemieux (66)
New York Giants guard Shane Lemieux (66) during a week 10 regular season football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on November 15th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants guard Shane Lemieux (66) during a week 10 regular season football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on November 15th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants guard Shane Lemieux (66) during a week 8 regular season Monday Night football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium on November 2nd, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Shane Lemieux (66)
Shane Lemieux (66)
New York Giants center Nick Gates (65) snaps the ball to Daniel Jones during a week 3 regular season football game against the San Francisco 49ers at MetLife Stadium on September 27h, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Nick Gates (65)
Nick Gates (65)
Nick Gates (65)
Nick Gates (65), Daniel Jones (8)
Nick Gates (65)
Nick Gates (65)
Nick Gates (65)
New York Giants guard Nick Gates (65) during a week 8 regular season Monday Night football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium on November 2nd, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Nick Gates (65)
New York Jets center Jonotthan Harrison (78) signals at the line of scrimmage during an NFL game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in East Rutherford, NJ. The Jets defeated the Dolphins 22-21. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Jets center Jonotthan Harrison (78) prepares for the snap during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Dec. 12, 2019, in Baltimore. Baltimore won 42-21. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Jets offensive lineman Jonotthan Harrison (78) pass blocks in action against the Houston Texans Saturday December 15, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Jets center Jonotthan Harrison (78) blocks during an NFL game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in East Rutherford, NJ. The Jets defeated the Dolphins 22-21. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Jets center Jonotthan Harrison (78) gets set at the line of scrimmage prior to the snap during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Monday, Oct. 21, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots defeated the Jets, 33-0. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Jackson Barton (71) gets set prior to the snap during an NFL preseason football game against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019, in Indianapolis. The Browns defeated the Colts, 21-18. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Jackson Barton (71) goes to block during an NFL preseason football game against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019, in Indianapolis. The Browns defeated the Colts, 21-18. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Jackson Barton (71) blocks during an NFL preseason football game against the Cleveland Browns, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019 in Indianapolis. The Browns defeated the Colts 21-18. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Rhode Island offensive lineman Kyle Murphy runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Rhode Island offensive lineman Kyle Murphy runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Rhode Island offensive lineman Kyle Murphy runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Chad Slade (62)
New York Giants guard Chad Slade (62) during a training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday August 31, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants participate in Training Camp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, NJ
Detroit Lions offensive guard Kenny Wiggins (79) in action against the New York Giants during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. (AP Images/Rick Osentoski)
Detroit Lions offensive guard Kenny Wiggins (79) blocks during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, in Oakland, Calif. Oakland won 31-24. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Detroit Lions offensive guard Kenny Wiggins (79) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
Top offensive linemen available according to NFL.com (comments from NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal):
OT Trent Williams (No. 1), San Francisco 49ers: "A Hall of Fame-caliber player like Williams performing near his peak at a premium position will do incredibly well in the open market. (And Williams will get there because the 49ers agreed not to tag him.) Great tackles often play well into their late 30s, which is why I fully expect Williams to become the highest paid player at his position."
G Joe Thuney (No. 8), New England Patriots: "Above-average starting guards who never miss a snap get paid so much in free agency that Bill Belichick may just use the franchise tag on Thuney for the second year in a row."
C Corey Linsley (No. 10), Green Bay Packers: "The Packers are probably going to disappoint Aaron Rodgers by allowing Linsley or Aaron Jones to leave. Linsley figures to cost more after seven rock-solid seasons in Green Bay."
OT Mitchell Schwartz (No. 26), Kansas City Chiefs: "Schwartz made first- or second-team All-Pro in four consecutive seasons before missing most of 2020 with a back injury that required surgery in February. He is almost impossible to rank without better medical info. He would be a top-five free agent if healthy, but the Chiefs' release of him and retirement whispers make it difficult to guess whether he can return to previous form."
C David Andrews (No. 36), New England Patriots: "After missing the 2019 season due to career-threatening blood clots, Andrews came back to anchor the Patriots' line in 2020. He's a quick fix for any team with a center problem."
OT Eric Fisher (No. 41), Kansas City Chiefs: "The Chiefs needed to save cap space, and Fisher blew out his Achilles tendon in January. The injury came toward the end of one of Fisher's better seasons, so some team may sign him to a multi-year deal with 2022 and '23 in mind."
C Austin Reiter (No. 65), Kansas City Chiefs: "The Chiefs have a lot of tricky decisions to make on the offensive line, including whether to bring back their starting center Reiter after two capable years protecting Patrick Mahomes."
OT Riley Reiff (No. 69), Minnesota Vikings: "The Vikings were seemingly always looking to upgrade from Reiff, but he's started 119 of a possible 128 games over the last eight seasons (including 58 of 64 in Minnesota), mostly at left tackle. He'll find a starting job."
OT Alejandro Villaueva (No. 72), Pittsburgh Steelers: "It looks like the Steelers are ready to move on from Villanueva, which is a red flag because the Steelers are nothing if not loyal."
OT Kelvin Beachum (No. 78), Arizona Cardinals: "Cheap, serviceable snaps from a tackle are hard to find in free agency. Beachum got the job done for the Cardinals last year."
G Kyle Long (No. 83), Chicago Bears: "Long was only healthy enough to start 12 games combined in 2018 and '19 before injuries and self-evaluation led to him retiring before the 2020 season. Intending to make a comeback, the veteran is still worth a flier in case his body has healed enough to recover his Pro Bowl form."
View NFL.com's updated rankings of the top 101 free agents of 2021 ahead of the new league year, which begins March 17.
No. 101 QB Mitchell Trubisky
No. 100 EDGE Everson Griffen
No. 99 DT Al-Quadin Muhammad
No. 98 CB Chidobe Awuzie (Update: The Cincinnati Bengals have reportedly agreed to a deal with Awuzie.)
No. 97 EDGE Kerry Hyder
No. 96 WR Breshad Perriman
No. 95 RB James White
No. 94 DT Kawann Short
No. 93 RB James Conner
No. 92 S Kareem Jackson
No. 91 TE Dan Arnold
No. 90 DT Lawrence Guy
No. 89 WR Emmanuel Sanders
No. 88 CB Troy Hill
No. 87 S Malik Hooker
No. 86 EDGE Takkarist McKinley (The Cleveland Browns have reportedly agreed to a deal with McKinley.)
No. 85 G Kyle Long
No. 84 CB Casey Hayward Jr.
No. 83 CB Quinton Dunbar
No. 82 NT Tyson Alualu Update: The Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to a deal with Alualu.)
No. 81 DE Derek Wolfe (Update: The Baltimore Ravens have agreed to a three-year deal with Wolfe.)
No. 80 OT Kelvin Beachum (Update: The Arizona Cardinals have agreed to a two-year deal with Beachum).
No. 79 RB Marlon Mack
No. 78 CB Bashaud Breeland
No. 77 QB Tyrod Taylor
No. 76 EDGE Aldon Smith
No. 75 DB Desmond King II
No. 74 OT Alejandro Villanueva
No. 73 RB Duke Johnson
No. 72 TE Gerald Everett
No. 71 OT Riley Reiff
No. 70 S Keanu Neal
No. 69 DT Sheldon Rankins
No. 68 WR Cordarrelle Patterson
No. 67 C Austin Reiter
No. 66 S Xavier Woods
No. 65 LB Kyle Van Noy
No. 64 DT Ndamukong Suh
No. 63 DT Larry Ogunjobi
No. 62 CB Patrick Peterson
No. 61 RB Kenyan Drake
No. 60 CB K'Waun Williams
No. 59 S Jaquiski Tartt
No. 58 NT DaQuan Jones
No. 57 CB Janoris Jenkins
No. 56 WR Antonio Brown
No. 55 QB Jacoby Brissett
No. 54 CB Michael Davis (Update: The Los Angeles Chargers have agreed to a multi-year deal with Davis.)
No. 53 CB Xavier Rhodes
No. 52 WR Sammy Watkins
No. 51 CB Richard Sherman
No. 50 DE Denico Autry
No. 49 WR Marvin Jones (Update: The Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to a deal with Jones.)
No. 48 WR John Brown
No. 47 CB Malcolm Butler
No. 46 WR Nelson Agholor (Update: The New England Patriots have reportedly agreed to a deal with Agholor.)
No. 45 TE Rob Gronkowski
No. 44 LB K.J. Wright
No. 43 OT Eric Fisher
No. 42 RB Chris Carson
No. 41 EDGE Melvin Ingram
No. 40 CB Mike Hilton (Update: The Cincinnati Bengals have reportedly agreed to a deal with Hilton.)
No. 39 S Anthony Harris
No. 38 C David Andrews
No. 37 QB Andy Dalton
No. 36 CB Adoree' Jackson
No. 35 EDGE Carlos Dunlap
No. 34 WR T.Y. Hilton
No. 33 CB Ronald Darby (Update: The Denver Broncos have reportedly agreed to a deal with Darby.)
No. 32 CB Jason Verrett
No. 31 LB Jayon Brown
No. 30 EDGE Haason Reddick
No. 29 EDGE Justin Houston
No. 28 C Rodney Hudson
No. 27 DE Shelby Harris (Update: The Denver Broncos have agreed to a three-year deal with Harris.)
No. 26 OT Mitchell Schwartz
No. 25 CB William Jackson (Update: The Washington Football Team has agreed to terms with Jackson.)
No. 24 EDGE Leonard Floyd (Update: The Los Angeles Rams have agreed to a four-year deal with Floyd.)
No. 23 S John Johnson (Update: The Cleveland Browns have reportedly agreed to a deal with Johnson.)
No. 22 DL Dalvin Tomlinson (The Minnesota Vikings have agreed to a deal with Tomlinson.)
No. 21 WR Corey Davis (Update: The New York Jets have reportedly agreed to a deal with Davis.)
No. 20 EDGE Romeo Okwara (Update: The Detroit Lions have signed Okwara to a multi-year deal.)
No. 19 QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (Update: The Washington Football Team have reportedly agreed to a deal with Fitzpatrick.)
No. 18 CB Shaquill Griffin (Update: The Jacksonville Jaguars have agreed to a deal with Griffin.)
No. 17 TE Hunter Henry (Update: The New England Patriots have reportedly agreed to a deal with Henry.)
No. 16 TE Jonnu Smith (Update: The New England Patriots have reportedly agreed to a deal with Smith.)
No. 15 WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
No. 14 WR Curtis Samuel
No. 13 QB Jameis Winston (Update: The New Orleans Saints have agreed to a one-year contract with Winston.)
No. 12 WR Will Fuller
No. 11 EDGE Yannick Ngakoue
No. 10 C Corey Linsley
No. 9 EDGE Matt Judon (Update: The New England Patriots have reportedly agreed to a deal with Judon.)
No. 8 G Joe Thuney
No. 7 EDGE Jadeveon Clowney
No. 6 WR Kenny Golladay
No. 5 EDGE Carl Lawson (Update: The New York Jets have reportedly agreed to a deal with Lawson.)
No. 4 EDGE Trey Hendrickson (Update: The Cincinnati Bengals have reportedly agreed to a deal with Hendrickson.)
No. 3 EDGE Bud Dupree
No. 2 EDGE Shaquil Barrett (Update: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed Barrett to a multi-year deal.)
No. 1 OT Trent Williams
