The biggest news of the 2024 NFL offseason so far belongs to New York’s very own. The Giants lost star running back Saquon Barkley to the Philadelphia Eagles. He inked a three-year, $37.75 million deal with New York’s division rivals, crushing the hearts of Giants fans.
The G-men also took a major blow after losing one of their best defensive players in safety Xavier McKinney. The former Giants defensive captain signed with the Green Bay Packers on a 4-year, $68 million contract.
Losing Barkley and McKinney is devastating news, but Giants fans shouldn’t lose all hope yet. Giants GM Joe Schoen has put in work since losing their workhorse running back and star safety, forming a dangerous team for the upcoming season.
Former Carolina Panther Brian Burns is the highlight of New York’s offseason so far. The 2x Pro-bowler was traded to the Giants on Monday, March 11, and instantly signed a five-year $150 million contract. Burns has been in the NFL for five years and has tallied 46 total sacks with his highest being 12.5 in 2022. He is coming off a season with one of the highest pass rush win rates in football (21.6%).
He was the best option available this offseason at his premium position, and he is a perfect pairing with current Giants pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux who together will form one of the most feared defensive lines in football.
Outside of Burns, the Giants haven’t made any flashy acquisitions, but they have signed several underrated talents that can prove to be crucial in the 2024 season.
New York signed former Texans RB Devin Singletary on a three-year $16.5 million deal. He is coming off a career-high 898 rushing yards in Houston. Head coach Brian Daboll also has a connection with Singletary from their time in Buffalo and will likely utilize him in a running back committee this season to fill the void left by Barkley.
The Giants replaced McKinney as well, after signing former New England Patriots safety Jalen Mills to a one-year deal. Despite his age, he is still a starting-caliber safety who will compete with Jason Pinnock and Dane Belton for the job.
Schoen also chose to bolster the offensive line this offseason after signing offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor and guard Joe Runyan. Eluemunor signed a two-year deal with New York after leaving the Las Vegas Raiders, and the former Packer, Runyan, agreed to a three-year deal. These are crucial moves as Eluemunor and Runyan are terrific offensive linemen who stay healthy, something the Giants lacked this past season.
The most recent move is signing former Seattle Seahawk quarterback Drew Lock to a one-year deal. Although this won’t stand out to fans, it’s a cheap move that will leave New York with a more established backup quarterback. With Jones’ health always being an issue, and the future of the Giants starting QB up in the air, this was a smart decision by the “Big Blue”.
“I feel great about the offseason so far,” said Jack Wynn, a Giants fan from Commack. “Losing Saquon hurts, a lot, but Brian Burns is going to make up for that. We’ve also brought in needed help on the offensive line. The biggest question left is what we’re going to do in the draft.”
This is a major question for New York who has the sixth pick in the draft. Rumors have swirled that they may take a gamble on a top QB like Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy or LSU’s Jayden Daniels, who just won the Heisman trophy and could potentially fall to the Giants.
A star wide receiver could be a smart option as well, such as Washington’s Rome Odunze or LSU’s Malik Nabers. New York may consider drafting a running back in later rounds like Michigan’s Blake Corum to help fill Barkley’s shoes.
It’s difficult to overlook losing two of their best players, but the Giants have done a terrific job this offseason, and still have the potential to do more. Keep an eye on the rest of this offseason as the New York Giants hope to create a dangerous team that can make a run next year.
