Here are three possibilities
With less than a month until the start of 2025 NFL free agency, The 33rd Team has released its list of projected mega-contracts for this year’s top free agents. While this isn’t the deepest free agent class in recent memory, several players are expected to land deals worth more than $20 million per year.
For the New York Giants, this offseason marks the beginning of a new era. The team officially moved on from Daniel Jones, cutting him after five+plus seasons and opening the door for a new quarterback. With cap space to spend, the Giants will be active in the free agent market. Based on The 33rd Team’s predictions, here are the players who could make sense for New York.
QB Sam Darnold
Projected contract: Three years, $120 million ($40M/year)
With Jones out, the Giants are in search of a starting quarterback. The 33rd Team lists Sam Darnold as one of the top available free agents, projecting him to land a $40 million-per-year deal. The 27-year-old former Jets quarterback had a career resurgence with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, and with a weak quarterback draft class, teams like the Giants could be forced to spend big for an established passer.
While Darnold would be an upgrade over what the Giants had in 2024, the question is whether he’s worth that price tag. He’s coming off his best season, but handing him a massive deal could be risky for a team still looking for long-term stability at the position.
33rd Team says:
The best landing spot would be with a veteran coach and a roster full of talent on the offensive side of the ball, but considering he hasn’t earned a big payday yet in the NFL, the money could ultimately dictate where he lands.
DT Osa Odighizuwa
Projected contract: Three years, $63 million ($21M/year)
With Dexter Lawrence needing more help up front, the Giants could target Odighizuwa, a disruptive defensive tackle from the Cowboys and brother of former Giants’ draft pick Owa Odighizuwa. T
Odighizuwa led all interior linemen in quarterback hits last season and would bring much-needed pass-rush ability to the Giants front. Given the team’s need for more pressure up the middle, he could be a logical fit alongside Lawrence.
33rd Team says:
The best landing spot would be with a veteran coach and a roster full of talent on the offensive side of the ball, but considering he hasn’t earned a big payday yet in the NFL, the money could ultimately dictate where he lands.
CB Byron Murphy Jr.
Projected contract: Three years, $50 million ($16.6M/year)
The Giants need help in the secondary, and The 33rd Team projects cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. as a potential target. Murphy, who had six interceptions last season with the Vikings, has experience playing both outside and in the slot.
With Adoree’ Jackson hitting free agency and the Giants still developing young corners like Deonte Banks, adding a veteran like Murphy would help New York compete with the talented group of wide receivers in their division. His versatility makes him an intriguing option, and at $16.6 million per year, he could be a more affordable target compared to the other top defensive backs available.
33rd Team says:
Murphy has dealt with some injuries in the past, but he has 79 career starts in six seasons, and he just turned 27. The fact that he has this much experience but is still this young bodes well for his chances in free agency.
Don’t expect him to earn a record-breaking deal or anything like that. Still, somewhere between $15-$17 million per season is about right for Murphy.
Will the Giants make a splash?
The Giants have the cap space to be aggressive in free agency. The 33rd Team has identified these high-priced targets who could fit New York’s needs, but whether the Giants go all-in on a quarterback like Darnold or look to strengthen other positions remains to be seen.
One thing is clear: The Giants will be a team to watch when free agency opens in March.
