What are NY Giants’ biggest needs in NFL free agency? We rank ‘em

Coming off a three-win season, the Giants have plenty to do in order to get this team back to winning.

That means general manager Joe Schoen will have to come up with a two-pronged plan in free agency and the NFL Draft. The Giants will enter free agency with an estimated $50 million in salary cap space, according to NFLPA records, and they can increase that number by restructuring existing contracts or making roster cuts of veteran players.

Here’s how we rank the Giants’ needs as the negotiating period opens 12 p.m. Monday and lasts until the start of league year Wednesday at 4 p.m.:

1. Quarterback

• How this became an area of need:  Daniel Jones played so poorly and the Giants had the parachute built into his contract that he didn’t make it to Thanksgiving. Drew Lock was not the answer, and team brass was unable to trade up for a quarterback in the Top 3 of the NFL Draft last year.
• Who could Giants get in free agency?  Aaron Rodgers has emerged as a top option after their attempt to trade for Matthew Stafford was thwarted by his return to the Rams. Russell Wilson is also a possibility, as is Sam Darnold, depending on his price range if he does not go back to the Vikings.

2. Cornerback

• How this became an area of need: The Giants did not get a jump from 2023 first-round pick Deonte Banks; in reality, he regressed in a new system. Cor’Dale Flott showed flashes last season, but he has to be more consistent to show he can emerge as an option. Dru Phillips had a promising rookie season in the slot.
• Who could Giants get in free agency? Former Jet D.J. Reed and Byron Murphy from the Vikings are at the top of the market. The Saints’ Paulsen Adebo is coming off injury, but he’s just 25 with a ton of upside. Keep an eye on the status of Jaire Alexander, who could be released in Green Bay.

3. Offensive guard

• How this became an area of need: Schoen believes the Giants have four of their five offensive line spots filled heading into a pivotal season. The one starting spot available is right guard. Greg Van Roten could return, but his best value might be as the top interior reserve at guard and center.
• Who could Giants get in free agency? New Jersey native Will Fries might be the best fit. Other options include veteran Brandon Scherff and Patrick Mekari, should he shake free from Baltimore. Shaq Mason of the Texans is coming off a rough season, and he was just released. But he does have ties with offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo from their days together in New England.

4. Interior defensive line

• How this became an area of need: The Giants have not poured resources into the line – other than All-Pro Dexter Lawrence’s extension two years ago, of course – and it’s time. The draft class is deep and Lawrence could use a running mate.
• Who could Giants get in free agency? Jonathan Allen was released by the Commanders, but he’ll likely command a big deal from a contender. B.J. Hill is one of Lawrence’s close friends, so a return to the Giants would be welcomed by their best player.

5. Safety

• How this became an area of need: The Giants opted to let Xavier McKinney leave on a big deal last year, and now a two-time starter Jason Pinnock is a free agent. Tyler Nubin has a chance to build off a solid rookie season. Dane Belton might be a complementary piece more than a front line player.
• Who could Giants get in free agency? The Dolphins’ Jevon Holland could emerge as the big fish, but likely too pricey. They’re probably shopping in the second tier seeking the best fit. Andre Cisco is just 25. Another New Jersey native in Jordan Fuller has dealt with the injury bug his entire career, but might be a buy low, high reward player. Is this an opportunity to make a run at a leader like Justin Simmons, who had an up and down campaign in Atlanta.