Giants Eyeing Top Guard in Free Agency: Offensive Line Upgrade on Horizon?

Giants Linked to Top Interior Offensive Lineman in Free Agency

As the NFL free agency period approaches, New York Giants fans have reason for optimism regarding the team's offensive line woes. Pro Football Focus (PFF) has linked the Giants to Will Fries, one of the top interior offensive linemen set to hit the market. This potential move could be a game-changer for the Giants' offensive front.

Will Fries: A Rising Star on the Offensive Line

Will Fries, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts, has been steadily improving over his four-year NFL career. At 26 years old and standing at an impressive 6'6", Fries was having his best season in 2024 before a leg injury in Week 5 cut his campaign short. Despite the setback, his performance in those five weeks was nothing short of exceptional.

According to PFF, Fries earned an 86.9 overall grade in the first five weeks of the 2024 season, which would have ranked third among all guards if he had played enough snaps to qualify. His run-blocking grade of 84.9 was particularly impressive, placing him among the elite at his position.

PFF's Assessment and Free Agency Projections

PFF ranks Fries as the second-best guard heading into NFL free agency, just behind Trey Smith. The analytics company projects Fries to sign a substantial contract, estimating a 4-year, $57.2 million deal with $30 million in guaranteed money. This would make him the 15th highest-paid guard in the NFL, with an average annual salary of $15.1 million.

Giants' Offensive Line Needs

The Giants' offensive line has been a point of concern for several seasons, and addressing this unit remains a top priority. Looking at the team's depth chart for the 2025 season, there's a glaring need at the right guard position. The current lineup includes:

• Left Tackle: Andrew Thomas (returning from injury)
• Left Guard: John Runyan
• Center: John Michael Schmitz (entering year 3)
• Right Guard: Vacant (potential target for free agency)
• Right Tackle: Jermaine Eluemunor

Adding a player of Fries' caliber could significantly upgrade the offensive line, potentially transforming it into one of the better units in the NFC.

The Importance of Offensive Line Improvement

Improving the offensive line is crucial for the Giants, especially if they plan to draft or acquire a young quarterback in the offseason. A solid offensive line is fundamental to a rookie quarterback's success, providing the necessary time and protection to go through reads and develop in the NFL.

Top Guards in Free Agency

According to PFF, the top guards available in free agency are:

1. Trey Smith
2. Will Fries
3. Kevin Jenkins
4. Kevin Zeitler
5. James Daniels
6. Mekhi Becton
7. Brandon Scherff
8. Zack Martin
9. Patrick Mekari
10. Aaron Banks

While Trey Smith might be the top target for many teams, including potentially the Chicago Bears, Fries represents an excellent alternative for the Giants.

Addressing the Offensive Line: A Balanced Approach

While signing a top guard like Fries would be a significant move, the Giants should consider a multi-faceted approach to solidify their offensive line:

1. Sign a premier right guard: Whether it's Fries, Smith, or another top-tier guard, this should be a priority.

2. Re-sign Greg Van Roten: Bringing back the veteran as a backup option would provide valuable depth and versatility.

3. Draft offensive line talent: Using a day two pick on the best available offensive lineman could further strengthen the unit.

4. Consider position changes: Evaluating current players like Evan Neal for potential moves to guard could optimize the line's performance.

5. Add veteran depth: Signing experienced players to provide quality backup options is crucial for long-term success.

Evaluating the Giants' Offensive Line Performance

While the Giants' offensive line has been criticized heavily, it's important to look at the full picture. The 2024 season saw improvements from the disastrous 2023 campaign:

• Sacks allowed decreased from 85 (second-most in NFL history) to 48
• PFF run-blocking grade: 28th in the NFL
• Pass-blocking grade: 23rd in the NFL
• Sacks allowed: 11th fewest in the league

Injuries played a significant role in the line's struggles, with key players like Andrew Thomas, John Runyan, and John Michael Schmitz missing time.

Early Season Promise

Before injuries took their toll, the Giants' offensive line showed potential in the first five weeks of the 2024 season:

• 16th in pass-blocking grade
• 11th best sack rate
• Only 3 sacks allowed in the first five weeks

These statistics suggest that with health and the right additions, the Giants' offensive line could be much improved in 2025.

A Vision for the 2025 Offensive Line

Imagining a revamped offensive line for the 2025 season, here's a potential lineup:

• LT: Andrew Thomas
• LG: John Runyan
• C: John Michael Schmitz
• RG: Will Fries (or another top free agent signing)
• RT: Jermaine Eluemunor

With depth provided by:

• Greg Van Roten (versatile interior backup)
• Evan Neal (potentially moved to guard)
• A day two draft pick (tackle or guard)
• Additional veteran signings

This configuration could provide a significant upgrade, potentially pushing the Giants' offensive line into the top half of the league.

Conclusion: A Critical Offseason for the Giants' Offensive Line

The New York Giants stand at a crucial juncture in their offensive line rebuild. By targeting top free agents like Will Fries, re-signing valuable veterans, and smartly using draft capital, the team has an opportunity to dramatically improve their front five. This improvement is not just about better statistics or rankings; it's about providing a foundation for offensive success, protecting their quarterback investment, and opening lanes for the running game.

As the free agency period approaches, all eyes will be on the Giants' front office to see how they address this critical need. If executed well, these moves could be the key to unlocking the Giants' offensive potential and setting the stage for a successful 2025 season and beyond.

For Giants fans, the prospect of a revitalized offensive line offers hope for a more competitive and exciting brand of football. As the team potentially looks to integrate a new quarterback and build around young talent, a strong offensive line could be the cornerstone of a new era of Giants football.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ropww0oId7k