The new league year and the official start of free agency are just around the corner, and that will mark a busy time for NFL teams.
Free agency is always a frenzy, and the New York Giants will likely be quite active this year. They have multiple in-house free agents they must make decisions on and then determine what positional needs to address prior to the 2024 NFL draft.
ESPN recently took a look at the free agent pool and determined the 50 best players available. Among them were two Giants.
First up is running back Saquon Barkley, whom ESPN had ranked No. 27 overall.
Barkley has the traits to produce in any pro system, thanks to his ability to hit home runs. He’s a true lead back: a volume player who has amassed 288 receptions and 47 total touchdowns over his six pro seasons, and he tied for ninth this season in runs for 10-plus yards (26). But while he is averaging 98.8 scrimmage yards per game over his career, he has played only two full seasons since being draft No. 2 in 2018.
Barkley was the most obvious choice, and next up isn’t much of a surprise, either: safety Xavier McKinney at No. 34 overall.
Here’s a versatile safety with the ability to cover down, the post range that NFL teams covet and the ball skills to produce takeaways. McKinney had three interceptions this season, and he has nine picks and 14 pass breakups in his four pro seasons.
Former Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams, who was traded to the Seattle Seahawks midseason, also made the list. He was ranked higher than both Barkley and McKinney at No. 16 overall.
