NFL.com's top 10 intriguing free agents
The Giants got their offseason off to a strong start this week between the returns of quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley.
However, the action will really start to heat up next week. Monday marks the beginning of the two-day legal negotiating period where teams can begin discussing contracts with free agents. Players cannot actually sign contracts until the start of the new league year on Wednesday at 4pm ET.
NFL.com analyst and former running back Maurice Jones-Drew broke down his list of the top 10 boom-or-bust free agents this offseason.
Here are the players Jones-Drew discussed:
Defense
DE Jadeveon Clowney
Boom: "In a fresh start, Clowney lines up opposite a premier pass rusher just like he did in Cleveland -- though his recent comments derailed that marriage. After playing 63 percent of defensive snaps in 2022, the veteran is used as a rotational pass rusher in a decreased role but becomes far more impactful than he was in his two-sack performance of this past season."
Bust: "The days of being an every-down pass rusher are gone, but his new team still tries to use him in that way. The veteran, who's never hit double-digit sacks in a season, steps into a more prominent role but fails to make the impact of a big-money pass rusher."
DE Marcus Davenport
CB Patrick Peterson
Boom: "Peterson is coming off his best campaign in years, intercepting five passes (second-most in a season for his career) for a Vikings defense that ranked ninth in turnovers in 2022. The eight-time Pro Bowler finds a team that primarily plays zone, with premier pass rushers setting up opportunities for takeaways in the secondary. The veteran leader has flourished in that environment in the past -- and would do so again in 2023.
Bust: "Once a lockdown corner on the island, Peterson's days of manning up against No. 1 receivers for 60 minutes are over. He'll likely become a liability if he's routinely asked to play man coverage at this stage of his career, though he could excel at it sporadically."
Offense
WR Odell Beckham Jr.
OT Orlando Brown
Boom: "Playing on the franchise tag in 2022, Brown helped the Chiefs return to Super Bowl glory. Now the top offensive tackle available in free agency will merit top dollar, and if placed in an offense similar to Kansas City's -- one that leans on the run and uses play-action off it -- the money spent on Brown will be well worth it."
Bust: "Brown got beat plenty as a pass protector in Kansas City. That's not to say this hulking bookend simply cannot get the job done, but his new passer must be able to move in the pocket. (No sitting ducks, please!) Brown's inconsistencies could be further magnified if he lands in an offense that is primarily a dropback-pass operation."
QB Jimmy Garoppolo
TE Mike Gesicki
Boom: "Gesicki joins a team that utilizes his strengths as a route runner and blocker in space. Joining a wide-open offense -- and one with fewer dynamic weapons that won't steal his targets, as Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle did in Miami -- Gesicki has the ability to enjoy a career year as a big-time playmaker in the slot."
Bust: "Joining a run-first offense won't play to Gesicki's skill set. He's not a George Kittle type who loves moving defenders off the line. Getting bogged down in a more physical role will limit him as a playmaker in the pass game."
WR Allen Lazard
RB Miles Sanders
RB Jamaal Williams
View the players set to become free agents when the new league year begins on March 15.
RB Saquon Barkley
UPDATE: Giants have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Barkley
RB Matt Breida
UPDATE: Breida has signed a new contract with the Giants
ILB Landon Collins
LB Jarrad Davis
UPDATE: Davis has signed a new deal with the Giants
DL Justin Ellis
C Jon Feliciano
UPDATE: Fecliano has signed with the San Francisco 49ers
OL Nick Gates
UPDATE: Gates has signed with the Washington Commanders
P Jamie Gillan
UPDATE: Gillan has signed a new contract with the Giants
WR Richie James
UPDATE: James has signed a contract with the Kansas City Chiefs.
S Tony Jefferson
WR Marcus Johnson
QB Daniel Jones
UPDATE: Giants have signed Jones to a four-year contract
LS Casey Kreiter
UPDATE: Kreiter has signed a new contract with the Giants
S Julian Love
UPDATE: Love has signed with the Seattle Seahawks
CB Fabian Moreau
WR Sterling Shepard
UPDATE: Shepard has signed a new contract with the Giants
WR Darius Slayton
UPDATE: Slayton has signed a new contract with the Giants
ILB Jaylon Smith
OLB Jihad Ward
UPDATE: Ward has signed a new contract with the Giants
DL Nick Williams
OLB Oshane Ximines
DL Henry Mondeaux (Restricted Free Agent)
UPDATE: Mondeaux has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars
