The New York Giants have 30 impending free agents, many of whom will be unrestricted when the new league year begins on March 12.
Most are not expected to be a priority to re-sign but there are a few general manager Joe Schoen would like to get back under contract — punter Jamie Gillan, long-snapper Casey Kreiter, and return man Ihmir Smith-Marsette to name a few.
Wide receiver Darius Slayton may be priced out of the Giants plans, while there’s some debate about the value of safety Jason Pinnock.
But there is one other impending free agent that Pro Football Focus feels is flying under the radar; an unlikely player they believe the Giants “can’t afford to lose.”
New York Giants: CB Adoree’ Jackson
The Giants are so starved for production at outside cornerback that they may have to bring Adoree’ Jackson back on another short-term contract. He earned just a 64.5 PFF coverage grade while breaking up five passes in 2024. Those modest numbers represent an upgrade from some of the team’s younger options who have struggled so far in their careers.
Given how Jackson and the Giants parted ways following the 2023 season, it’s strange to see him listed as a player they can’t afford to lose a year later.
Perhaps realizing that his NFL career was running on fumes after questions about his effort, Jackson returned in 2024 with his head down and went to work. He wasn’t dominant or elite but he provided some value for a secondary that largely struggled.
The Giants have a lot of work to do at the cornerback position and re-signing Jackson to a team-friendly deal isn’t the worst idea out there.
