Should Dave Gettleman Pursue a pass rusher before the draft?

By Michael Stewart/@golferbad

Introduction: Giants GM Dave Gettleman free agent signings didn’t include any marquee names that many Giants had hoped for. Instead, Gettleman selected quality players at mid tier prices and now only time will tell if Gettleman’s signings will pay-off as the 2020 season unfolds.  The Giants didn’t address one of their strongest needs in free agency and that an elite pass rusher. Although he can use one or possibly two picks in the draft to acquire pass rushers, it should be noted that there are several still available a few weeks before the draft in free agency. Gettleman would need to clear more cap space to even consider making a run at a pass rusher and he goes have options on the current roster to free up possibly another $18M if all the stars are aligned (Next article will address Gettleman’s options to add more cap space). So here are the top 3 remaining pass rushers that Gettleman could still acquire for the right price:

1. Yannick Ngakoue (DE) Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars placed the franchise tag on Ngakoue and have made it clear that he won’t come cheap. Reports thus far have the Jaguars wanting at least a 1^st round pick included and if you go by what Frank Clark cost the Chiefs (1^st and a 2^nd round picks), it might too much for the Giants and Gettleman to commit to; when you also need to factor in his contract demands. Still it is an option that’s available for the Giants if they are willing to make it happen.
2. Jadeveon Clowney (DE) Seattle Seahawks: Clowney would only cost the Giants money as he is arguably the best free agent still available. Originally; Clowney’s demands was hovering around $22M per, but it seems that he is willing to lower his price tag to get a deal done. One of the hesitation by Gettleman is Clowney’s injury history and thus his durability to warrant a contract of this magnitude. Therefore; Clowney might have to consider a one year (prove it) deal at around $16-18M; which could work for the Giants if they decide to go that route.
3. Markus Golden (OLB) New York Giants: Golden had a one year prove deal in 2019 and responded by awarded the Giants with a 10 sack season and he could certainly still be in play for the Giants; despite the signing of Kyle Fackrell. Golden’s price should also see a considerable decline with each passing day if both sides can find a common ground; it’s still unlikely that Golden will return to big blue; maybe another one year deal at around $7.5M could work.

Final Thoughts: For now GM Dave Gettleman needs to focus not only on his draft board, but he also needs to cut the payroll and add cap space if he has any thoughts of adding one of these players. Or he can hold onto any additional cap space for 2021 to use it on his own players who will be entering free agency after the 2020 season led by defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson.