The NFL offseason will kick into high gear next week with the annual NFL Scouting Combine, when the entire league converges upon Indianapolis.
The combine is about evaluating prospects for April’s NFL Draft, but it is also the unofficial start of free agency, as teams and agents meet to get rough estimates about the market ahead of the start of the legal tampering period on March 7, and the start of free agency on March 9.
What do Giants cuts mean for JPP?
Over the next few days, the Giants’ offseason outlook for each position group will be examined. Here’s the rundown on the cornerbacks:
GIANTS SAFETIES OFFSEASON OUTLOOK:
Giants under contract: Eli Apple (through 2019*); Donte Deayon (futures); Michael Hunter (futures); Janoris Jenkins (2020); Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (2018).
* — fifth-year option available for 2020
Giants free agents: Leon Hall; Coty Sensabaugh; Trevin Wade.
Position priority: Medium. The Giants are set with their top three cornerbacks, but corner is a position where they can never have too many quality players. They typically carry five on the 53-man roster, and the fourth and fifth corner spots are fluid right now.
Top free agents: A.J. Bouye (Texans); Brandon Carr (Cowboys); Stephon Gilmore (Bills); Dre Kirkpatrick (Bengals); Trumaine Johnson (Rams).
The latest Giants draft buzz
Second-tier free agents: Prince Amukamara (Jaguars); Captain Munnerlyn (Vikings); Terence Newman (Vikings); Alterraun Verner (Buccaneers); Tramon Williams (Browns); Hall; Sensabaugh.
What to expect in the offseason: Re-signing Sensabaugh would be a smart move. Hall came on strong at the end of the year, but he was playing safety. If he comes back, that’s likely where he would work best. The Giants won’t make a run at any big name free agents, but they could come away with a veteran. Don’t sleep on Wade re-signing – he is a strong special teams contributor and he can make plays.
Draft strategy: It’s an extremely deep cornerback class. The Giants likely won’t use a first- or second-round pick on one, but they may look to grab one in the middle rounds given the value available.
James Kratch may be reached at jkratch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JamesKratch. Find our Giants coverage on Facebook.
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