Once a Giant, again a Giant?
New York Giants GM Joe Schoen has consistently said that the front office looks at every avenue to improve the team’s roster.
We spend a lot of time talking about the splashy moves the front office makes in the pursuit of improvement. The first wave of free agency, when the team adds high-priced veterans in their prime, and the first couple rounds of the draft
But the “all avenues” approach also means churning the back end of the roster or looking for veterans who can provide experience, leadership, and fill niche (but still important) roles.
Earlier, Ed looked at some bigger name veterans the Giants could look to add.
Now we want to drill down on some former Giants who are still on the market and what roles they could fill in a reunion.
Jason Pierre-Paul (DE/EDGE)
Pierre-Paul is no longer the back-flipping phenom who’s play in 2011 changed the paradigm for how teams scouted and drafted for a solid eight-year period. Every draft it seemed like teams were looking for “The Next JPP”, with varying degrees of success.
Since then he’s needed back surgery following being asked to play at 290 pounds, nearly lost a hand in a fireworks accident, and suffered a broken neck in a car accident. It could be counted a miracle that he’s even talking about a comeback at the age of 36.
Pierre-Paul isn’t a fearsome pass rusher anymore, but run defense has also always been a strength of his game. Other than Chauncey Golston, the Giants’ don’t really have an edge defender with that combination of size, strength, length, and ability to set a firm edge at the point of attack. If he can make the team, JPP could add to the Giants’ depth on the defensive front as well as give them a useful player in short yardage situations.
Odell Beckham Jr. (WR)
Beckham once looked like he was destined to shared a similar place in history as Larry Fitzgerald, Julio Jones, Calvin Johnson, or Randy Moss. But a combination of Eli Manning’s decline, injury, and the lack of a stable environment completely derailed his career. He’s now a shell of his former self as an athlete, but he’s always been a brilliant chess player, a detailed route runner, and has elite hands.
Beckham was still a useful receiver in 2023 in Baltimore, and could still be a reliable pass catcher if we disregard last year’s disastrous season in Miami. He could be a possession receiver on the field as well as a coach in the locker room. He might be able to help teach Malik Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson, and Jalin Hyatt how to set up and attack secondaries with their route running.
Will Hernandez (G)
It’s likely that the only reason why Hernandez is still on the market is that he’s coming off of the season-ending torn ACL he suffered in Week 5.
It’s incredibly frustrating that the Giants’ 2018 second round pick didn’t make good on his potential until after he left the team in 2022. But once arriving in Arizona, he became a good starting guard who is a dependable pass protector as well as a punishing run blocker. But, assuming he can play at the same level post-injury, he’s realized his potential and is a potential upgrade for the Giants’ starting offensive line.
At the very least Hernandez would push Evan Neal and provide enviable depth at multiple offensive line positions. If Hernandez can return to form, he could start at right guard opposite Jon Runyan Jr. and potentially lock down that position for a few years at 30 years old.
That is, of course, pending his medical reports and how he’s recovering.
Nick Gates (G/C)
Greg Van Roten is looked at as a stabilizing force on the Giants’ offensive line. But when the Giants’ offensive line was healthy, Van Roten was the weakest link with 11 pressures surrendered. But he was still useful as a reserve guard and center without being a complete liability.
Gates is the youngest of the players you get to choose from at 29 years old, and he’s also the most versatile. He can back up guard or center, and has been a player that while you might not want them starting, you aren’t wincing if he’s on the field. Gates is also a recent graduate of Stoutland U, after a year of being coached by the Philadelphia Eagle’s offensive line coach. Gates could be a true upgrade over Van Roten as a younger, and more athletic option, as well as provide insight into the Eagles’ blocking schemes.
There are other former Giants on the market, such as Oshane Ximines and Carter Coughlin, but we want to know which of the bigger-name former Giants you’d like to see in Blue again.
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in New York Giants fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
