John Harbaugh, New York Giants
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Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens speaks to the media during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center.
Heading into free agency, the New York Giants are lucky enough not to have many holes on their roster.
Offensively, they’re set at quarterback and running back. They could use a piece at wide receiver to complement Malik Nabers and fill in for him until he’s ready to make his return from injury.
A starting offensive lineman or two wouldn’t hurt either.
On defense, their front is stacked. A replacement for linebacker Bobby Okereke could be in the works, but the more pressing need lies in the secondary, primarily at cornerback.
Among the top 50 free agents according to ESPN, two were tabbed as perfect fits for the Giants, and analyst Matt Bowen urged New York to land them as soon as they can.
Tyler Linderbaum Named Perfect Giants Fit
The No. 3 overall free agent, Baltimore Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum, was named as the “best team fit” for the New York Giants, according to Bowen.
“Linderbaum can follow coach John Harbaugh to New York. Given his movement traits, he would fit the Giants’ zone and gap schemes, and his 97.2% pass block win rate with the Ravens tied for second among 31 qualifying centers last season,” wrote Bowen.
“The Giants would be landing the top offensive lineman in free agency … but let’s keep an eye on the Raiders here, as well. They could also use Linderbaum’s tone-setting mentality on the interior.”
Linderbaum would be a home run signing for the Giants, and has been linked to them since it became clear John Harbaugh was headed for New York.
But the snag is the Giants’ murky cap situation. As it stands now, New York has around $7 million to work with heading into free agency, per Over the Cap.
Spotrac expects Linderbaum to command a deal worth upwards of four years, $70.9 million, for an AAV of $17.7 million. As it stands now, the Giants couldn’t afford that. They’ll have to get creative to land the All-Pro center.
That’s why Bowen tabs the Raiders as a threat to nab the former first-round pick. They’re projected to have the second most cap space in the league with $91.5 million in free agency, and desperately need to rebuild their offensive line.
Nahshon Wright as Cordale Flott Replacement
The No. 37 overall free agent, Chicago Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright, was also listed as a perfect fit for the New York Giants.
“With a need to add more playmakers in the secondary, the Giants should target Wright, who had five interceptions and returned one for a touchdown last season with the Bears. Under new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, Wright can use his long 6-foot-4 frame and good instincts in Cover 2 and press-man,” continued Bowen.
With starting cornerback Cordale Flott set to hit free agency, the Giants are going to need a replacement; otherwise, they’ll be leaving Deonte Banks as their starter opposite Paulson Adebo.
Spotrac projects Wright to land a three-year, $50 million deal on the open market, again, a contract that may be too rich for the Giants without more cap flexibility.
But if New York wants to be a playoff team in 2026, they’re going to have to patch up these holes somehow, and landing these free agents would certainly help with that quest.