Being the general manager of the New York Giants has been one of the NFL’s most challenging roles for quite some time. The task is complicated by a dire salary cap situation, making it difficult to build a competitive roster. Although Darren Waller’s retirement freed up $11 million in cap space, the team is still ranked 22nd with just $10,327,426 remaining.
The roster has had significant gaps for years. While they addressed several of these in the 2024 NFL Draft, including wide receiver and tight end, the job is far from over if the Giants aim to win another playoff game in January.
**New York Giants 2024 Draft Class:**
| Overall Pick | Player | Position |
|————–|——————-|———-|
| No. 6 | Malik Nabers | WR |
| No. 47 | Tyler Nubin | S |
| No. 70 | Dru Phillips | CB |
| No. 107 | Theo Johnson | TE |
| No. 166 | Tyrone Tracy Jr. | RB |
| No. 183 | Darius Muasau | LB |
GM Joe Schoen must continue making strategic moves. Acquiring Brian Burns was a good start, but it won’t complete the roster. It will require creativity and determination to build a team capable of competing for the franchise’s fifth Super Bowl.
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Get a glimpse at New York’s biggest games and their projected final record for 2024.
**New York Giants Top Trade Targets:**
The Giants’ current regime has shown they’re not afraid to make significant moves, evidenced by the acquisitions of Waller and Burns. Here are three potential trade targets who could fit into the Giants’ long-term plans and immediately bolster the starting lineup.
| Player | Position | Team | Projected 2024 Cap Hit |
|———————|———-|——|————————|
| Tristan Wirfs | OT | TB | ~$18.6 million |
| Marshon Lattimore | CB | NO | ~$14.6 million |
| Greg Newsome II | CB | CLE | ~$4.1 million |
**Tristan Wirfs, OT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers:**
Tristan Wirfs is a standout pass blocker who would solidify the Giants’ offensive line. While he played left tackle in 2023, his two prior seasons as an All-Pro right tackle make him a valuable asset. Acquiring Wirfs would likely cost multiple second and third-round picks and possibly a player to free up cap space. However, securing him long-term would stabilize the tackle positions for years.
**Marshon Lattimore, CB, New Orleans Saints:**
Marshon Lattimore is an elite cornerback when healthy, with only one receiving touchdown allowed in the past two seasons. Despite drafting three cornerbacks in the last two years, the Giants’ secondary still needs reinforcement. If New York can overlook his injury history, Lattimore would greatly enhance their defense. A mid-round pick or two could be sufficient for a trade, given the Saints’ cap situation.
**Greg Newsome II, CB, Cleveland Browns:**
Greg Newsome II, known for his elite press coverage skills, could be an excellent addition to the Giants’ defense. With a team-friendly contract and impressive performance in 2023, Newsome would upgrade New York’s secondary. The trade might require at least a second-round pick and possibly a depth player to address Cleveland’s needs.
**New York Giants Top 3 Trade Candidates:**
With no stars likely to fetch a substantial return, the Giants should consider trading these players to gain picks and cap space:
| Player | Position | Projected 2024 Cap Space |
|——————|———-|————————–|
| Darius Slayton | WR | ~$7.8 million |
| Tommy DeVito | QB | ~$0.9 million |
| Boogie Basham | EDGE | ~$1.4 million |
**Darius Slayton, WR:**
Darius Slayton has led the Giants in receiving yards in four of the past five seasons but may no longer be necessary with the addition of Malik Nabers and other young talents. Trading Slayton could free up cap space and fetch a third or fourth-round pick.
**Tommy DeVito, QB:**
While a fan favorite, Tommy DeVito is unlikely to see significant playing time. Teams needing a reliable backup could be interested, and trading DeVito for a late-round pick would be a smart move.
**Boogie Basham, Edge:**
Boogie Basham’s role is limited with the presence of Kayvon Thibodeaux, Jihad Ward, Azeez Ojulari, and now Brian Burns. Trading Basham for a late-round pick would free up cap space and provide the Giants with more flexibility.
