The New York Giants have a plethora of needs to address over the next two months and although they are expected to prioritize signing a veteran cornerback, they will also dip their toe (or entire foot) into the pool of linebackers.
Not only do the Giants need a talented pass rushing linebacker on the outside, but they also have needs on the inside.
While most believe Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons is the ideal draft target and exactly what the doctor ordered in East Rutherford, general manager Dave Gettleman is still expected to take a long, hard look at available free agents.
Among those free agents is Green Bay Packers linebacker Blake Martinez, whom the Giants will have at least a “passing interest” in, reports NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
“I hear there is at least a passing interest from the Giants in Martinez,” Garafolo said.
In addition to Martinez, SNY’s Brian Steven reports the Giants are also expected to have significant interest in Chicago Bears linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski.
Getting word that the NY Giants #giants are among a ‘handful of teams’ who will have #Bears ILB Nick Kwiatkoski as a top-target once #NFL Free Agency kicks off. pic.twitter.com/b6nMBQm00Q
— Brian Stevens (@BrianstevensSNY) March 4, 2020
Martinez is a production machine, but critics are quick to suggest that his numbers aren’t reflective of his impact on the field. Pro Football Focus tends to agree, slapping Martinez with a lowly 58.7 grade in 2019 despite 155 tackles, three sacks and one interception.
On the opposite end of that spectrum, Kwiatkoski recorded 76 tackles, three sacks and an interception a season ago, earning a Pro Football Focus grade of 72.6.
Both Martinez and Kwiatkoski would represent an upgrade over what the Giants currently have and what they’ve put on the field in recent seasons, and they obviously fit an area of need. It should come as little surprise that Gettleman & Co. are sniffing around both.
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