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The New York Giants have a lengthy to-do list this offseason, beginning with their quest to clear upwards of $40 million in salary cap space.
Once general manager Joe Schoen accomplishes that feat, the focus shifts to repairing a damaged roster. Not only do the Giants need as many as four new offensive linemen, they also need an edge rusher, inside linebacker, tight end, running back, backup quarterback and potentially a new cornerback.
But there are apparently other aspects of their roster they also wish to address.
Mike Kaye of Pro Football Network suggests the Giants will also seek to upgrade their return men this offseason — something that makes sense when considering Jabrill Peppers is likely to depart via free agency.
While the whispers out of Indianapolis were few and far between last week, one thing is for certain: Teams are realizing they need to invest in special teams. Specifically, several franchises are looking for upgrades at the returner spots, a league source told Pro Football Network on Monday.
“Field position is certainly a point of emphasis from what I’m seeing,” the source told PFN.
The New York Giants, Miami Dolphins, and San Francisco 49ers are all under new or slightly altered regimes. And all three teams are expected to show significant interest in the returner market.
The Giants did have one of the best special teams units in the league under Thomas McGaughey a season ago, but their return game struggled at times. They were 22nd in yards per kick return (20.7), 23rd in yards per punt return (7.6) and dead last in all-purpose return yards.
It stands to reason the Giants will look to upgrade their returners, but how much cap space they clear will determine if they can compete at the top of the market.
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