The NY Giants are heading into 2015 with playoffs on their minds and that could spark some free agent moves this winter, as names like Frank Gore, Bryan Bulaga, Ndamukong Suh and Mark Ingram could be potential targets and this comes as Eli Manning may get a contract extension to help ensure that both JPP and Antrel Rolle are returning for next year.
The Giants come in after going 6-10 last season and missing the playoffs for the third straight year and now they have pressure to bounce back in 2015. Tom Coughlin was brought back despite the recent struggles and that is why John Mara is expecting the playoffs this year. The team spent a ton on free agents last offseason, but they dealt with numerous injuries and uneven play on defense. Perry Fewell was let go for Steve Spagnuolo and now Coughlin is hoping Spags can bring back the success he had when he was coordinator for the Giants when they won the Super Bowl over the 18-0 Patriots.
Last year the team replaced Kevin Gilbride with Ben McAdoo at coordinator and that resulted in a bounce back season for Eli Manning. After throwing 27 picks last season, Manning had over 4400 yards and had 30 touchdowns for the first time in a number of years. Manning also set a career high with his completion percentage and a star was born with Odell Beckham emerging as an exciting talent. Next year the team should get back a healthy Victor Cruz and that could mean big things for Manning and Beckham.
The Giants have some free agents hitting the market this year, the most notable names being Jason Pierre-Paul, Antrel Rolle and Walter Thurmond. JPP is hitting the market after a strong season, while Rolle is on the market after signing a five year deal with the team. Thurmond signed a one year deal last offseason and was injured this year and he has expressed interest in signing back. Mara said the team would consider using the franchise tag on JPP, as that could give the team more time to work out a long term deal.
At ESPN.com, Dan Graziano answered some questions about potential free agent options for the Giants, with positions like running back, offensive line and the secondary being possible areas of improvement. Frank Gore, Bryan Bulaga, Ndamukong Suh and Mark Ingram as well as Dan Williams have been mentioned as potential options for the Giants, but that likely will depend on how much salary cap space they free up. If Manning signs an extension the team could free up some money, while Mathias Kiwanuka and Jon Beason could be cap casualties.
The Giants rushing attack was inconsistent this season and while they just signed Rashad Jennings last year, they could at Gore, Ingram or another back as an option to join Andre Williams in the backfield. Bulaga could be a potential target, as the Giants could use an upgrade on the offensive line, but he is expected to be chased by a number of teams. The Giants have a major need at right tackle, as that could allow them to move Justin Pugh to guard with ease while upgrading at the tackle spot.