Three big names the New York Giants should avoid in free agency
The Giants can afford a few free-agent upgrades with a healthy $41M available under the NFL's new salary cap. But here are three names New York should avoid in free agency when the new league year begins on March 13.
WR Michael Thomas
According to Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune, New Orleans plans to release wide receiver Michael Thomas. Once considered one of the league’s premier wide receivers, the three-time Pro Bowler has been a shell of himself for the past three years. After starting his Saints career with five straight 1,000-yard seasons, Thomas has just 1,057 yards and four touchdowns since 2020.
While he missed 31 games over that span, injuries haven’t stopped him from talking trash online. Not only did Thomas rip Duncan on social media for reporting his pending release, but he also insulted Dennis Allen by suggesting his head coach had a “loser’s mentality.”
The New York media would eat him alive. If Thomas could somehow regain his 2019 form, he’d be perfect for the Giants’ 31st-ranked passing offense, but at 31 years old, his best days might be behind him.
WR Marquise “Hollywood” Brown
Arizona had high hopes for the former Ravens receiver when they traded a first-round pick to get him in 2022. But thanks to injuries to himself and quarterback Kyler Murray, Brown averaged just 614.5 yards and 3.5 touchdowns in two years as a Cardinal.
Despite those numbers, Brown ranks as the second-best receiver on ESPN’s top-100 list and 18th-best free agent overall. With a market value expected to exceed the $13.4M he earned last year, the Giants can find a more reliable pass-catcher at that price.
A durable player like Buffalo’s Gabe Davis might cost the team just as much, but with 27 touchdowns in four years, he’d offer a much safer floor than Brown.
TE Noah Fant
After trading a third-round pick to bring Darren Waller over from the Raiders last year, the 31-year-old tight end is considering retirement after managing a single touchdown and 552 yards in 2023.
The free-agent market isn’t great for tight ends, but there are a few recognizable names, including Fant. Now that Hunter Henry and Dalton Schultz have re-signed with their teams, Fant is considered the best tight end available by Pro Football Focus.
However, a closer look at his stats shows a player in decline. Since posting a career-best 673 yards as a Bronco in 2020, Fant’s yardage totals have gone down each year. His 414 yards in 2023 were a career low, as were his 16 first downs. Last season was also his first without a score.
With an anticipated average annual salary of $9.5M per year, New York would be better off rolling the dice on a less expensive player like the Patriots’ Mike Gesicki while the team rebuilds.
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