The NY Giants have missed the playoffs in each of the past three seasons, but Tom Coughlin is back for 2015 and now names like Steve Spagnuolo, Pepper Johnson, John Fox and Raheem Morris are potential replacements for Perry Fewell at defensive coordinator and heading into the draft names like Landon Collins, Shaq Thompson, Vic Beasley and Brandon Scherff could be targets.
The Giants opted to bring back Coughlin despite speculation all season about his future and the week after that decision was made, Fewell was let go. The Giants defense struggled last year and despite the fact that Fewell helped the team win a Super Bowl, he was let go and now New York is looking for a replacement. According to ESPN New York, Steve Spagnuolo, Pepper Johnson, Mike Smith and Vic Fangio are all potential options for the team to bring in for Fewell's replacement.
The Giants have a number of free agents on the defensive side of the ball, including Jason Pierre-Paul, Antrel Rolle, Walter Thurmond and Stevie Brown. The Giants want to keep JPP, but with over 15 players hitting the market they may have to make some tough decisions. Pierre-Paul has expressed his desire at staying in New York and John Mara said that the team would consider using the franchise tag if the two sides can't work out a deal. Dan Graziano writes that Fox is not likely to take a coordinator job, but the Giants may look into him since he is on the market.
JPP is hitting the market after a strong season and he could command upwards of $12-14 million per season on his next contract. Pierre-Paul will be 26 during the 2015 season and that is still very young for a player at his position and after letting names like Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora leave over the past few years, JPP could be a player that stays. Pierre-Paul broke out a few years ago with 16.5 sacks, but over the last two seasons he had just 8.5 combined and that is why the Giants will weigh using the franchise tag.
According to ESPN.com, the Giants have requested permission to speak with Bills defensive line coach Pepper Johnson and they are also looking at Raheem Morris and Steve Spagnuolo as defensive coordinator options. Fewell was let go after numerous years and it comes after the defense ranked fourth worth in the league in yards allowed per game and they were 30th overall in rushing yards allowed per game. Antrel Rolle is considered to be one of the leaders on defense and he has expressed desire to return, but likely needs to take a pay cut for that to happen. Walter Thurmond missed most of the season with an injury and he could be open for a return after signing a one year deal last year.
The Giants have a top 10 draft pick this season and SB Nation has put together some mock draft picks from around the internet with names like Landon Collins, Shaq Thompson, Vic Beasley and Brandon Scherff potential options. The team picked Odell Beckham in the first round last year and he ended up in the Pro Bowl after making over 90 receptions for 1305 yards and 12 touchdowns in just 12 games played. Collins is a strong option if the team picks defense, as he is considered to be the top safety in the draft after leading Alabama in tackles with 103 last season.
