The New York Giants posted a 6-10 record for the second consecutive season during the 2015 season, and general manager Jerry Reese knows he will have to improve their roster in 2016 if he wants to remain as the Giants' general manager in the future. The Giants have many needs this offseason, but defense is definitely the top priority, as New York finished last in the league in terms of yards allowed per game.
The Giants defense was clearly hindered by their lack of a pass rush, and only recorded 23 team sacks during the 2015 regular season. One player the Giants could look to target to bolster their pass rush this offseason is Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports. The Jets are reportedly expected to place the franchise tag on the talented defensive lineman, but could look to trade him after placing the franchise tag on him and look to acquire a first round pick if not more through a trade.
Wilkerson would bring an instant impact for the Giants next season, and recorded 12 sacks and two forced fumbles for the Jets in 2015. The Giants won't be the only team in the market for Wilkerson, as a team like the Oakland Raiders could also make a push in a tag-and-trade scenario. The Jets defensive end is considered one of the top free agent talents this offseason, and would garner a ton of interest if he hit the market. The Jets reportedly won't let that happen, and know that placing the franchise tag on him will potentially land them a high first round draft pick and possibly more.
On the other side of the ball the Giants could look to target a wide receiver, as wide receiver Rueben Randle is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent and wide receiver Victor Cruz's future with the team is still up in the air. Bengals wide receiver Mohamed Sanu has reportedly generated buzz within the Giants front office and could be a potential free agent target.
The Giants will look to expand their offense in 2016, as offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo has been named their next head coach. McAdoo's offense finished sixth in the NFL in terms of points per game last year, and adding Sanu as a potential second receiver could give New York an explosive offense.
The Bengals wide out turns 27 years old prior to next season, and has shown the ability to step up as a top receiver in Cincinnati. Sanu has recorded 152 receptions for 1,793 yards and scored 11 touchdowns in four seasons with the Bengals, and could give the Giants a strong combination of receivers with Odell Beckham Jr.
The Giants are clearly shopping for free agents this offseason, and have plenty of cap room to sign some significant playmakers on both sides of the ball.
