New York Giants should capitalize on rich free-agent LB market
The New York Giants are showing "significant interest in the linebacker market as free agency nears," according to Matt Lombardo of Heavy Sports. LB is one of the Giants' biggest needs entering this offseason and the team is looking to capitalize on a free-agency market that is rich at the position.
The top of the market is littered with LB talent this spring. Nine-time All-Pro Bobby Wagner was recently cut by the Los Angeles Rams, making him the top LB available this offseason. Wagner was the highest-graded LB in the NFL this season according to Pro Football Focus.
Wagner, 32, has dominated for years, recording 1,159 combined tackles tackles since 2015 (the most in the NFL). In 2022, he totaled 140 tackles, six sacks, 10 TFL, 10 QB hits, two INTs and five passes defended, proving he is still an impact player during this late stage of his career.
Wagner is a future Hall of Fame talent that would transform the Giants' defense. However, Big Blue would likely need to cough up over $10 million per season to sign Wagner in free agency. The Giants could afford to sign Wagner, possessing around $42 million in cap space this offseason. But given his age, Wagner might not be the long-term solution the Giants need.
Eric Kendricks is another veteran LB that was recently added to the free agency pool. The Vikings released Kendricks after eight seasons with the team. Kendricks, 31, will be the cheaper option between the market's two top veteran LBs.
Kendricks has posted 100+ tackles in seven straight seasons. He is one of the most productive LBs in the NFL and would provide the Giants with the consistency they are lacking in the middle of their defense.
Giants DL coach Andre Patterson was the Vikings' assistant head coach and co-defensive coordinator in 2021 before joining Brian Daboll's staff in the Big Apple. Patterson is familiar with Kendricks and could encourage the Giants to target the veteran LB.
Tremaine Edmunds is another free agent LB with a connection to the Giants. GM Joe Schoen was the assistant general manager of the Buffalo Bills when they drafted Edmunds in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Edmunds, 24, has a combination of size, athleticism and physicality that makes him a dynamic defensive playmaker. He has recorded 100+ combined tackles in each of his first five seasons of his NFL career. The two-time Pro Bowl LB could be a long-term solution for the Giants at LB.
Edmunds has a projected market value of $11 million on average annual salary (per Spotrac). A four-year, $44 million deal could be enough to bring the talented run-stuffer to the Big Apple.
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