Coming off a 7-9 season where they missed the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons, the New York Giants will undoubtedly be looking to upgrade their roster during the upcoming free agency period and 2014 NFL Draft. While offensive line, running back and linebacker issues have certainly hampered the Giants' ability to compete on a consistent basis in recent time, shortcomings in the secondary have created additional problems that only decrease New York's chances of being competitive in the NFC East, where they're up against rivals Philadelphia, Dallas and Washington.
With cornerback fixtures in Corey Webster, Terrell Thomas, Aaron Ross and Trumain McBride set to become free agents, the Giants will be in the market for corner help once the official free agent period opens on Tuesday, March 11. Players like Aqib Talib, Vontae Davis, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Charles Tillman and Antonio Cromartie are sure to draw loads of attention from around the league and although they sit as suitable options, the Giants are targeting one of the top young corners in football, even if the talented defensive back carries a significant price tag.
According to multiple reports, the Giants are serious contenders for free agent corner Alterraun Verner, who has been with the Tennessee Titans since entering the league in 2010. The former UCLA standout has recorded over 285 tackles in his career along with 11 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles, numbers that make him appealing to each franchise in the National Football League. Though he'll most likely command a salary that will pay him between $9 and $10 million per season, New York remains among the favorites to land the young talent due to the fact that they're nearly $17 million under the $133 million NFL cap.
In addition to pursuing Verner, the Giants will also take a look at some of the top available guards and defensive linemen on the market including former Kansas City Chiefs G Jon Asamoah and former Ravens defensive end Arthur Jones.
Big Apple Reunion?
While New York's need for added help in the secondary is well documented, the four-time Super Bowl champions could see a major change to their defensive line heading into the 2014-2015 season. Defensive end Justin Tuck and DT Linval Joseph will explore the open markets before making a decision, two players instrumental in the overall success of the Giants defense and should the Giants part ways with the duo, NJ.com indicates that a reunion with former defensive end Osi Umenyiora could be in store should the 32-year-old become available
Umenyiora – who is due $3.5 million next season – recorded 7 ½ sacks last season with the Atlanta Falcons but after one go-round, Atlanta is looking for the defensive stud to take a pay cut in order to create more financial room for the organization moving forward. The former Troy University star hinted that he'd be open to rejoining a team he helped win two championships and because the Giants seem to echo the same feelings, this situation will certainly be one to keep an eye on.
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