The New York Giants enter the offseason with a substantial amount of salary cap space and the potential to clear even more. They’re set at the quarterback position and have a high pick (No. 4 overall), so all things considered, they’re in a good position to make waves.
However, what the Giants have available pales in comparison to what they need, and after sending two picks to the New York Jets in exchange for defensive lineman Leonard Williams last season, they could be looking for ways to stock up on draft capital.
The presence of Daniel Jones makes that easier, potentially allowing general manager Dave Gettleman to trade down if he so desires.
In fact, Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report recently ranked every team based on potential trade ammunition and for the first time in many years, the Giants are positioned relatively well.
11. New York Giants
The last three seasons have been rough for the New York Giants, who are 12-36 over that span. And now that Eli Manning has called it a career, the Giants are Daniel Jones’ team.
Making the team better in short order is the only thing standing between Dave Gettleman and the unemployment line.
Trade-wise, that won’t be easy. There aren’t any appealing veterans on the roster, and the Giants may well wind up using the franchise tag on defensive lineman Leonard Williams after trading for the 2015 top-10 pick during the 2019 season.
That trade cost the Giants their third-rounder in 2020, but there will be added ammunition arriving via compensatory selections. Safety Landon Collins will get the Giants back that Round 3 pick, while several seventh-round compensatory picks could give them as many as four picks in the final round.
New York’s first pick has a great deal of value given that it is No. 4 overall. Since the Giants already have their quarterback of the future, it’s not difficult to imagine scenarios in which Gettleman trades back and stockpiles picks.
Those late-round compensatory picks are hit-or-miss and not anything the Giants are banking on, so a trade back in Round 1 may be the most realistic option for the team to stock up. Of course, such a decision could potentially cost them a game-changing defender or even a starting caliber offensive tackle.
None of this means the Giants will make a trade, but should they opt to go in that direction, they have some wiggle room.
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