How much the New York Giants will have to spend in free agency this offseason will come down to the deals that they work out with quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley. New York is projected to have some of the most cap space in the league, but a large chunk of it could go to those two players.
Working things out with Jones and Barkley would enable them to start focusing on other areas of the team. After going 9-7-1 last season, the Giants are looking to upgrade the talent on their roster and start cementing their status as a playoff contender in the NFC.
There are a few areas of need and safety could quickly be added to that list. Depending on what happens with Julian Love, the Giants could be in the market for someone to pair with Xavier McKinney in their defensive backfield.
Love is a versatile player that fills numerous roles on the Giants’ defense. He has the skill set to be a ballhawk as a deep safety or make plays down in the box. Wink Martindale even trusted him in coverage in the slot, moving him around the alignment like a chess piece.
Replacing someone of that skill set certainly wouldn’t be easy. However, there is a safety that would bring a lot of similarities to the table available in free agency in Jordan Poyer.
Poyer has spent the last six seasons of his career with the Buffalo Bills, turning into one of the best safeties in the NFL. A former NFL executive that spoke to NFL Analysis Network believes that the Giants are a team to watch for him this offseason.
“Add the Giants in as a team with interest in (Jordan) Poyer. He’ll have a long list of offers to choose from, but New York is a team to watch.”
Poyer sought an extension prior to the 2022 season but did not land one. While he did battle some injuries, which is a concern for a player going on 32 years old, he remained highly productive. 2022 was the fourth consecutive season that Poyer recorded a coverage and overall grade over 70.
Since 2020, the Oregon State product has recorded a coverage grade of 92.1, which is the best in the league. He is a playmaker that brings toughness and tenacity to the field and would be a nice upgrade for the Giants should they be able to work out a deal with him.
