5 players the Giants should target in free agency
Patrick Ricard, formerly of the Ravens, takes the field on Sep. 29, 2024, in Baltimore. Credit: Getty Images/Greg Fiume
The Giants and coach John Harbaugh head into their first free-agency period together needing to make several upgrades from last year’s 4-13 roster.
Wide receiver, offensive line and secondary are some of their most pressing needs. The Giants also will seek players who fit the toughness and passion for football that Harbaugh desires.
Here are five players the Giants should target in free agency:
Patrick Ricard, fullback
This is a no-brainer.
Harbaugh’s teams rely heavily on fullbacks. Ricard has spent all nine of his seasons with the Ravens and made his third All-Pro team last season.
Ricard needs a new home, so why not find one with his old coach? He’ll be 32 next season, so there’s certainly some risk. But if Harbaugh wants someone who understands his role and still is effective, why not grab one of his former players?
Ricard also is affordable; he signed a one-year deal for just under $2.9 million last year.
David Edwards, G
The Giants need upgrades at interior line. If they want a younger guard option with Greg Van Roten entering free agency, Edwards is available.
Edwards turns 29 this month and started the last two seasons with the Bills. He began his career with the Rams and started at left guard when they won the Super Bowl in the 2021 season. His 95% pass block win rate last year should be appealing to a team that needs to protect Jaxson Dart. Edwards also is an asset in run blocking. He ranked 10th among interior linemen with a 75% run block win rate.
Nahshon Wright, CB
If the Giants let Cor’Dale Flott leave in free agency, they will need to pay to upgrade the secondary.
The Giants need more ballhawks, and that’s where Wright comes into play. He had five interceptions for the Bears last season, tied for second in the league.
At 6-4, he’s long and physical and can cause fits for receivers. At 27, he will fit in with a young secondary while also bringing experience from making the playoffs last season.
Cade Mays, C
When Harbaugh was hired, it was popular to suggest the Giants would target Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum in free agency. But Linderbaum could command $20 million per year, and that’s probably too much to pay with other needs around.
If the Giants want to upgrade at center, the reliable Mays is a cheaper option. He started a career-high 12 games for the Panthers last season and is sturdy at 6-6 and 325 pounds.
Similar to Edwards, getting Mays sends a message that protecting Dart is a huge priority. The Giants need linemen who will raise their game. Andrew Thomas is locked in at left tackle. Mays could be an upgrade if the Giants have second thoughts about center John Michael Schmitz.
Tyquan Thornton, WR
The Giants should target a receiver in the draft, but they will need another veteran if Wan’Dale Robinson leaves in free agency. Thornton is a low-risk, high-reward option.
He’s speedy and had a career-high 438 yards and three touchdowns on 37 catches last season. The Giants remember what he did against them in Week 3 when he made five catches for 71 yards and a touchdown for Kansas City.
When Malik Nabers got hurt, it showed the lack of depth in the receiving room. Dart’s development is too important to strengthen only the running game. He needs receivers. Thornton fits the bill as a downfield option.
Evan Barnes covers the Giants for Newsday. He previously covered the Brooklyn Nets, Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
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