devin mccourty

New York Giants: 3 players to piece together the secondary in 2020

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Byron Jones, Brian Poole, Devin McCourty, New York Giants

The New York Giants desperately need to piece together their secondary in 2020, and it starts with finding a No. 1 cornerback. Free agency will be their primary allocation regarding the defensive secondary, as they spent three draft picks on injecting youth into the unit last offseason.

With about $80 million in free agency, the Giants and GM Dave Gettleman will need to allocate at least $35 million to overhaul the unit with veteran experience and quality. Gettleman is keen on carrying $20 million over into the season for draft picks and in-season acquisitions. However, the upcoming class of free agents is strong in positions the Giants desperately need to invest in.

Here are three players the New York Giants should be looking into:

1.) Byron Jones

The first is clear-cut, as the Giants cannot go in 2020 with DeAndre Baker featuring as their No. 1 corner — he’s simply not prepared to take on a full seasons workload against top wide receivers. Allowing him to continue his development in a secondary role will be beneficial down the road, but creating a great tandem with Jones and Baker would be an ideal scenario for a secondary who hasn’t had an intimidating presence in years.

Jones is expecting to land about $17 million in free agency, which is a significant but worthwhile number. His lack of statistical output can correlate directly toward the lack of attention he gets from opposing quarterbacks. While he’s not the type of player who will rack up interceptions, he’s a skilled ball-swatter and has fluid hips in coverage. He limited star wideout for the Saints, Michael Thomas, to zero receptions in 2019.

2.) Devin McCourty

Inserting a veteran and familiar presence for new HC Joe Judge is why signing Devin McCourty makes a lot of sense. While he’s aging at 32-years-old, McCourty had another productive season in 2019, racking up five interceptions and 58 combined tackles. The Patriots had one of the best defenses in the NFL last season, and his knowledge is vital to the growth of the Giants’ unit, who are all mostly below the age of 23.

I anticipate the Giants can grab him on a two-year, $20 million deal with high guarantees. This is an ideal stop-gap for a few seasons, while the Giants collect assets to invest in a younger option down the road.

3.) Brian Poole

One intriguing prospect at the slot corner position is free agent Brian Poole, who featured on the Jets in 2019. Poole had a stellar campaign last year, posting a 62.5% completion percentage, up slightly from 57.1% in 2018. His statistical output attests to his quality, and the Giants are missing a quality starter at slot corner.

However, Julian Love could be the expected starter at the position moving forward — I don’t believe he’s ready for an everyday starting role, considering his 9.8% missed tackle rate. He did post a 65.5% completion percentage over 29 targets, but Poole beats him at the category having dealt with 64 targets and a 62.5% completion rate. I expect Poole to land anywhere from $6-8 million per season.

Overall, these three players would account for about $33 million in cap space but would overhaul the unit entirely.

The New York Giants must finally address this defensive position

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New York Giants could look into Devin Mccourty this offseason.

The New York Giants have to allocate resources toward multiple positions this off-season, whether it be in free agency or the NFL draft. One position that Big Blue has lacked in four years has been free safety. In 2018, Curtis Riley covered the post and was known for his bad angles and lack of tackling ability. In 2019, general manager Dave Gettleman signed veteran and Antoine Bethea to handle duties in the defensive backfield.

Bethea struggled in coverage in his one year with Big Blue. His 110 combined tackles may look like a lot, but the reality is, he only recorded one interception, which came within 5-yards of the line of scrimmage. He played far better against the run then he did against opposing wide receivers crossing the middle of the field.

This off-season, the Giants can finally address the position with a quality player like Devin McCourty. McCourty, who is becoming a free agent after spending the last ten years with New England, would upgrade the position significantly.

McCourty had a solid 2019 campaign, playing in all 16 games and recording seven passes defended, five interceptions, and two forced fumbles. One characteristic that is extremely attractive regarding the former New England defensive back is his health history. McCourty hasn’t missed a game in four seasons, and in his entire career has only missed five games.

While the 32-year-old is considered an aging veteran, he can fill the role for the Giants until they can allocate more resources toward a younger option. A two year, $28 million deal could be justified given he’s open to leaving the Patriots. McCourty’s connection with new head coach Joe Judge makes this a more intriguing idea, as he knows how to utilize the free safety more appropriately.

Other options in free agency include Rodney McLeod, Jimmy Ward, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, and Tre Boston.

One position the New York Giants ‘must’ address during the 2020 offseason

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New York Giants, Justin Simmons

While you could make the argument that the New York Giants ‘need’ to allocate resources toward a bevy of positions, one that stands out is free safety.

The Giants haven’t hosted a top-notch free safety in years, and trotting out Antoine Bethea to act like a blind man in the secondary wasn’t the answer in 2019. Bethea was stout against the run but was an absolute liability in the defensive backfield, recording zero interceptions at least 10-yards away from the line of scrimmage and just six passes defended.

Despite Bethea’s lack of production at free safety, he was essential to DeAndre Baker’s adaptation to the NFL, and even then, Baker didn’t prove his first-round valuation.

Moving forward, the Giants cannot continue to disregard the free safety position, especially with an extremely talented crop entering free agency. As one of the most limited spots on the field for talent, the options that present value are Devin McCourty, Justin Simmons, Anthony Harris, and Jimmie Ward.

The New York Giants have some great options to work with:

In recent days, I’ve strongly advocated for McCourty to be a priority for Big Blue. New head coach Joe Judge is familiar with Devin coming from New England, and he featured as one of the game’s best free safeties in 2019. Playing on an extremely disciplined defense and enjoying multiple Super Bowl appearances, McCourty brings much more than just tangible talent with him to his next destination.

However, Simmons is another intriguing defender, as he logged four interceptions and 15 passes defended last season. Having played for the Denver Broncos the previous four years, he’s primed to cash in on a hefty deal, which might deter GM Dave Gettleman, who needs to allocate more money towards the offensive line and pass-rusher positions.

Simmons, though, might be the best of the bunch, and the Giants have the capital to get a deal done. Overpaying now won’t seem like a big deal in a few years when the salary cap continues to rise, and free safeties become even more scarce in the NFL.

The bottom line, the Giants cannot continue to neglect this position and plug in rookies to fill a glaring void. Locking down an extremely young secondary starts with signing a veteran corner and free safety, and it will be costly, the defense desperately needs the help.

One top free safety the New York Giants can target in free agency

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New York Giants could look into Devin Mccourty this offseason.

The New York Giants entered the 2020 offseason with another losing campaign under their belt; however, it subsequently landed them the 4th overall pick in the NFL Draft. New head coach Joe Judge has plenty of work to do ahead of free agency and the draft, specifically regarding player evaluations to determine what positions need the most capital allocated towards them.

One of the weaker positions for the Giants last season was at free safety. General manager Dave Gettleman plugged Antoine Bethea into the spot, despite his lack of coverage skills. Bethea is a strong run-stopping safety, and he showed that when playing closer to the line of scrimmage. His only interception of the year came right behind the line of scrimmage against Dallas Cowboys’ Dak Prescott.

Replacing Bethea will be a priority for Big Blue, and there’s one free agent that could fit the bill perfectly.

Could the New York Giants pursue Devin McCourty in FA?

Judge is very familiar with McCourty, having both coached/played for the New England Patriots. The veteran defensive back would bring experience and knowledge regarding the Patriots’ ways, a culture that Judge will be looking to implement.

At 33-years-old, Devin is no spring chicken, but his 10-years of experience would prove to be valuable on defense. Having logged 58 tackles, seven passes defended, and five interceptions in 2019, he won’t come cheap by any means. Still, the Giants need to invest in the bolstering of this position, especially with the youth at cornerback.

Aside from his undeniable on-field talent, McCourty would be a mentor for the younger defenders and help install the culture Judge is bringing to New York.

Over The Cap estimates that McCourty will be valued at around $10 million per season. A two-year contract would lock him into a solidified role with Big Blue until he’s 35, the perfect amount of time for the Giants to rely on the veteran but also find a young gun to develop. They might already have that player on the roster in Julian Love, who they moved around the defense last season as a utility option.

New York Giants’ Joe Judge could target two New England defensemen

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New York Giants could look into Devin Mccourty this offseason.

The New York Giants are in need of ample talent to fill holes on the roster. Still, before any decisions are made in free agency or through the NFL Draft, new head coach Joe Judge will evaluate every player individually. Judge’s methods are incredibly detailed and thorough, as understanding the ins and outs of his players is an essential part of maximizing their abilities.

As he stated during his opening press conference, he expects every player to be open to playing every position, even if they’re the top wide receiver on the offense or pass rusher on defense. Being open to helping the team in any way is the mentality he seeks, which will be a testament to the type of players he adds this offseason.

As we saw with former defensive coordinator, James Bettcher, it’s possible Judge adds familiar faces to the Giants, in an attempt to install his disciplinary tactics and on-the-field etiquette.

Here are two players the New York Giants could target:

1.) Kyle Van Noy

The Giants could use a quality pass-rushing linebacker, especially since they will remain in the 3-4 scheme under Patrick Graham. Van Noy offers plenty of experience as an OLB but also on a winning team, which would be essential for the younger players to learn from.

The Patriots’ free-agent defender earned 56 combined tackles, 6.5 sacks, three passes defended, and three forced fumbles. He also recorded 14 QB hits and played well against the run, which makes him an excellent target for Big Blue and Judge. His price tag might be similar if not a bit more expensive than Alec Ogletree, which would land him in the $12-14 million range.

Van Noy’s connection Joe Judge makes this even more enticing, but it all depends on who the Giants are targetting in the NFL Draft. Also, if they’re keen on retaining Markus Golden.

2.) Devin McCourty

The Giants trotted old Antoine Bethea out onto the field in 2019, and while he played well closer to the line of scrimmage against the run, he was putrid in coverage. Finding a reliable free safety should be a priority for the Giants this offseason, and adding a quality veteran who can help the development of the younger defensive backs makes sense.

McCourty, 33, has played 10 years in the NFL, logging 58 tackles, seven passes defended, and five interceptions this past season. In the final year of a five-year deal, locking him down on a two-year contract could serve the Giants well. Aside from his familiarity with Judge, McCourty is a seasoned veteran who can be relied on to make plays and pick up deep threats. Another factor to consider is the influence he would have on Julian Love, who has been molded into a diverse player that can play multiple positions on defense.

However, the ultimate goal is to improve his coverage skills exponentially in the deeper parts of the field. McCourty would be a perfect fit for the Giants, but he would come at a cost.

New York Giants news, 1/5 – Here’s a free safety the Giants should target

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New York Giants could look into Devin Mccourty this offseason.

Good Morning, New York Giants Fans!

The New York Giants could be in the market for a starting free safety this offseason, considering the lackluster job Antoine Bethea did in coverage in 2019. Bethea played well against the run but struggled in the secondary, tallying six passes defended.

Bethea’s struggles spread across several categories, specifically interceptions (1 – ranking 43rd), targets (25 – ranked 50th), receptions allowed (17 – ranked 49th). Moving on from the veteran defender is not a matter of how, but when for the Giants, who are looking to bolster their defense in the coming months.

General manager Dave Gettleman did draft Julian Love out of Notre Dame, with the purpose of developing him into a hybrid cornerback. Love spent time at corner, slot corner, and free safety this past season. His frame and athleticism allow him to be a utility option on the defense, but his development didn’t prove enough to justify starting him during the 2020 campaign

Here’s one free agent safety the Giants should look into:

1.) Devin McCourty

The New England Patriots’ veteran free safety has been a consistently reliable ball-hawk for years, and featuring on one of the league’s best teams gives him the knowledge and experience to help younger players around him.

If the Pats don’t extend McCourty, the Giants should consider bidding on the 33-year-old defensive back. The 10-year veteran logged 58 combined tackles, seven passes defended and five interceptions this season, proving his worth in the final year of a five-year contract.

Injecting a proper free safety into the defense with plenty of experience would give the New York Giants the value they’re looking for while they develop Love. Devin’s mentorship would also be incredibly beneficial towards Love and the other young defensive backs.

Nonetheless–

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