It is becoming well-known that the New York Giants could use some veteran help at several positions as they enter their first year under head coach Brian Daboll.
The secondary is in flux and could use an inexpensive veteran to slide in and take some key snaps until the youngsters get their feet under them.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report believes the Giants could benefit from signing a veteran such as cornerback Joe Haden and/or safety Tashaun Gipson on one-year deals.
“New York should take a long look at Tashaun Gipson, who spent the last two seasons with the Chicago Bears. Gipson started all 12 games in which he appeared last season and allowed an opposing passer rating of just 76.0…Gipson should be an option who fits into New York’s budget. He played on a one-year, $2.6 million deal last season. He’s another candidate for a one-year deal and could help give New York a little stability on the back end of its defense. “
Gipson is 31 and could be a stop-gap presence in the secondary for the Giants but they seem content at safety with their young group of Xavier McKinney, Julian Love, Dane Belton and Jarren Williams at the moment.
Haden is 33 and reportedly is mulling several offers this summer. He’ll surely be on an NFL roster bypass month’s end.
“New York is expected to rely heavily on young corners like second-year man Aaron Robinson and rookie third-round pick Cordale Flott. Having a seasoned vet like Haden in a leadership role would aid their development.
Haden can still be a reliable starter as well. He had his fair share of ups and downs with the Steelers last season but was also dealing with a foot injury for much of the year. In 2020, Haden allowed an opposing passer rating of only 75.9 in coverage.”
Not the worst idea. After Adoree’ Jackson, the other five corners that are favored to win roster spots have a total of 17 NFL starts between them.
Knox also sees the Giants as being in the market for a veteran tight end. They signed free agents Ricky Seals-Jones and Jordan Akins this offseason but are relying on fourth-round pick Daniel Bellinger to develop quickly and win the job this summer.
One suggestion for the Giants is Jared Cook, who was catching passes from Justin Herbert with the Los Angeles Chargers last season.
“While Cook is undoubtedly nearing the back end of his career, he was a potent weapon for Herbert in 2021—he finished with 48 receptions, 564 yards and four touchdowns.”
Daniel Jones could sure use a reliable pair of hands at tight end. Maybe that will be Bellinger but having Cook around wouldn’t hurt.
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