5 Free Agent Targets for the New York Giants in 2025

The New York Giants Enter 2025 Free Agency with $50 Million in Cap Space

NFL free agency kicks off soon, and the New York Giants are poised to be active players in the market. With approximately $50 million in projected cap space, the 13th most in the NFL, General Manager Joe Shane has significant resources to improve the roster.

At the NFL Scouting Combine, Shane emphasized the need to get better, stating "We're a three-win team...we have the resources to improve the roster." After clearing cap space in recent years, Shane appears ready to be aggressive in free agency to add talent and win more games in 2025.

Let's examine 5 key free agent targets that could help transform the Giants' roster:

1. Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback

If the Giants only sign one player in free agency, Aaron Rodgers should be at the top of the list. Despite being 41 years old, Rodgers remains an elite quarterback who could immediately elevate the Giants' offense. His 2024 stats with the Jets were impressive considering the circumstances:

• 3,900 passing yards
• 29 touchdowns
• 11 interceptions

While Rodgers comes with some baggage, his on-field production is undeniable. The Giants haven't had a quarterback put up those kinds of numbers in years. Rodgers gives them the best chance to win games in 2025 while also serving as a veteran mentor for a young quarterback.

With only Tommy DeVito currently on the roster, the Giants will certainly add a quarterback this offseason. Of the available free agent options, Rodgers stands out as the clear top choice to lead the offense next season.

2. Davante Adams, Wide Receiver

If the Giants do sign Rodgers, pairing him with his former top target Davante Adams makes a lot of sense. Adams is coming off another strong season despite poor quarterback play in Las Vegas:

• 85 receptions
• 1,098 yards
• 8 touchdowns

At age 32, Adams has shown no signs of slowing down. He would immediately become the Giants' top receiving threat and take pressure off young wideout Malik Neighbors. The Rodgers-Adams connection was one of the NFL's best for years in Green Bay.

With other top free agent receivers like Tee Higgins getting franchise tagged, Adams represents the best available option to upgrade the Giants' passing attack. His veteran presence would also help mentor the team's young receivers.

3. Will Fries, Right Guard

Improving the offensive line remains a priority for the Giants, and Will Fries could solidify the right guard position. At just 26 years old, Fries has gotten better each season:

• 2023 PFF Grade: 87.0 overall
• 75.0 pass blocking grade
• 85.0 run blocking grade
• Only 2 sacks allowed in 4.5 games before injury

Fries broke his leg in Week 5 last season, but was playing at an elite level before the injury. He allowed just 4 sacks in 17 games in 2022, showcasing his pass protection skills.

With the Giants returning 4 of 5 offensive line starters, adding a quality right guard like Fries could complete the unit. His addition, along with some depth pieces, would go a long way toward "fixing" the offensive line.

4. Milton Williams, Defensive Tackle

The Giants could use another disruptive interior defensive lineman next to Dexter Lawrence, and Milton Williams fits the bill perfectly. Coming off his best NFL season at age 25, Williams posted impressive numbers for the Eagles:

• 24 tackles
• 5 sacks
• 40 pressures

At 6'3" and 290 pounds, Williams has the size and athleticism to be an impact player. He excels as an interior pass rusher, an area where the Giants could use an upgrade.

Pairing Williams with Lawrence, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Brian Burns would give New York one of the NFL's most formidable defensive lines. While the 2025 draft class is deep at defensive tackle, Williams represents an proven commodity who could start right away.

5. Charvarius Ward, Cornerback

The Giants are expected to invest heavily at cornerback this offseason, and Charvarius Ward should be a top target. Coming off an All-Pro season in 2023, Ward has been one of the NFL's best cover corners:

• 23 passes defended in 2023
• 5 interceptions
• Top 10 PFF coverage grade in 2023
• Top 13 PFF coverage grade in 2022

At just 28 years old, Ward is in the prime of his career. He has extensive playoff experience from his time with the Chiefs and 49ers, bringing a winning pedigree to the Giants secondary.

Ward did have a slight down year in 2024 due to tragic personal circumstances, but he remains an elite talent. As a true CB1, he would allow Deonte Banks to settle into the CB2 role and solidify the Giants' cornerback group.

How These Signings Would Transform the Giants

If the Giants were able to land even 3-4 of these free agent targets, it would dramatically reshape their roster heading into 2025. Let's examine the potential impact:

Revamped Offense

Adding Rodgers and Adams would immediately give the Giants one of the NFL's most dangerous passing attacks. The Rodgers-Adams connection was lethal for years in Green Bay, and they could recapture that magic in New York.

Rodgers would stabilize the quarterback position and serve as an ideal mentor for a young QB like Tommy DeVito. Adams would take pressure off Malik Neighbors while giving Rodgers a reliable go-to target.

Fries solidifying right guard would complete a much-improved offensive line, giving Rodgers time to find his receivers downfield. The offense would go from a major weakness to a potential strength.

Bolstered Defense

On the defensive side, adding Williams and Ward would give the Giants impact players at all three levels. Williams would form a dynamic interior duo with Dexter Lawrence, collapsing pockets and stuffing the run.

Ward would lock down one side of the field, allowing Banks to match up with opponents' second receivers. The secondary as a whole would benefit from an improved pass rush.

With Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Lawrence, and Williams up front, the Giants would have one of the NFL's most fearsome defensive lines. This unit could dominate games and take pressure off the offense.

Overall Roster Outlook

If the Giants land these five free agents, their starting lineup could look something like this:

Offense: QB: Aaron Rodgers RB: Saquon Barkley WR: Davante Adams WR: Malik Neighbors TE: Darren Waller LT: Andrew Thomas LG: Ben Bredeson C: John Michael Schmitz RG: Will Fries RT: Evan Neal

Defense: DE: Kayvon Thibodeaux DT: Dexter Lawrence DT: Milton Williams DE: Brian Burns LB: Bobby Okereke LB: Micah McFadden CB: Charvarius Ward CB: Deonte Banks Nickel: Cor'Dale Flott S: Xavier McKinney S: Jason Pinnock

This roster would have the potential to compete for a playoff spot in 2025. The offense features multiple Pro Bowl talents, while the defense has playmakers at every level.

Challenges and Considerations

While these free agent additions would undoubtedly improve the Giants' roster, there are some challenges to consider:

Salary Cap Management

Signing multiple high-profile free agents will require careful salary cap management. The Giants may need to restructure existing contracts or make tough cuts to create the necessary space.

Joe Shane has been disciplined with the cap so far, avoiding void years and maintaining flexibility. He may need to get creative to fit all these signings under the cap.

Age and Injury Concerns

Several of these free agent targets come with some risk. Rodgers is 41 and coming off a major injury. Adams is 32, an age when some receivers begin to decline. Fries is coming off a broken leg.

The Giants will need to thoroughly evaluate the medical reports and future projections for these players before committing big money.

Opportunity Cost

Spending big in free agency could limit the Giants' ability to extend their own young core players in the future. They'll need to balance short-term improvements with long-term roster building.

Additionally, relying on free agency could mean passing on potential impact rookies in the draft. The Giants must weigh the benefits of proven veterans against developing young talent.

Conclusion

The New York Giants enter 2025 free agency with significant resources and a clear mandate to improve the roster. By targeting impact players like Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, Will Fries, Milton Williams, and Charvarius Ward, they could quickly transform from a three-win team to a playoff contender.

While there are challenges and risks involved, the potential rewards are immense. Joe Shane has set the stage for an aggressive approach in free agency. Now it's time to see if he can land the big fish and accelerate the Giants' rebuild.

As free agency kicks off, Giants fans should be excited about the possibilities. With the right moves, 2025 could mark the return of winning football to MetLife Stadium.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzNrW-9ZdwQ