The Giants can afford a few free-agent additions with a healthy $41 million available under the NFL’s new salary cap. However, here are three names New York should avoid in free agency when the new league season begins on March 13.
WR Michael Thomas
According to Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune, New Orleans intends to release wide receiver Michael Thomas. The three-time Pro Bowler was once regarded as one of the league’s best wide receivers, but he has been a shadow of himself for the past three years. After starting his Saints career with five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, Thomas has only 1,057 yards and four touchdowns since 2020.
While he missed 31 games throughout that time, injuries have not prevented him from slinging trash online. Thomas not only chastised Duncan on social media for disclosing his impending release, but he also ridiculed Dennis Allen, claiming his head coach had a “loser’s mentality.”
Jeff Duncan is a hoe. Trying to stay relevant, so let’s talk about it. The Saints leak information to him in an attempt to devalue players, but I’m not broke, so I can speak up. He’s broke, therefore he needs clicks. Take a look at all of his articles, which are never true.
– Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) March 7, 2024.
The New York media would devour him alive. If Thomas could recapture his 2019 form, he’d be ideal for the Giants’ 31st-ranked passing offense, but at 31 years old, his best days may be behind him.
WR: Marquise “Hollywood” Brown
Arizona had big expectations for the former Ravens receiver when they traded a first-round pick to get him in 2022. However, due to injuries to himself and quarterback Kyler Murray, Brown averaged only 614.5 yards and 3.5 touchdowns in his two seasons with the Cardinals.
Despite these results, Brown is the second-best receiver on ESPN’s top-100 list and the 18th-best free agent overall. With a market value anticipated to eclipse the $13.4 million he made last year, the Giants can find a more dependable pass-catcher for that amount.
A dependable guy like Buffalo’s Gabe Davis might cost the team the same amount, but with 27 touchdowns in four years, he’d provide a far steadier floor than Brown.
TE Noah Fant
After paying a third-round selection to acquire Darren Waller from the Raiders last year, the 31-year-old tight end is considering retirement after recording a single score and 552 yards in 2023.
The free-agent market isn’t terrific for tight ends, but there are a few notable players, like Fant. Now that Hunter Henry and Dalton Schultz have re-signed with their respective teams, Pro Football Focus ranks Fant as the top tight end available.
However, a closer glance at his statistics reveals a player in decline. Fant’s yardage totals have decreased each year after he set a career high of 673 yards as a Bronco in 2020. In 2023, he accumulated 414 yards and 16 first downs, both career lows. Last season was also his first without a goal.
With an expected average annual salary of $9.5 million, New York might be better off taking a chance on a cheaper player like the Patriots’ Mike Gesicki while the organization rebuilds.
g
Leave a Reply