Grade: Above Average
The Cardinals came out of nowhere to sign Watt, but it’s not difficult to see why they coveted him. Watt isn t the peerless force of his early-career days, but he is still very much one of the best defensive linemen in the league. His 0.50 PFF wins above replacement in 2020 ranked third among all edge defenders, behind only Khalil Mack and T.J. Watt. Whether J.J. Watt lines up between the tackles or outside of them, there is every reason to expect him to cause disruption in a defensive front that also features Chandler Jones.
This deal makes him just the 10th-highest-paid interior defensive lineman, and he ranks even further down the list among edge defender contracts. It’s certainly not an overpay on Arizona s part.
Ranking top 35 free agents Giants could target, including Kenny Golladay, Bud Dupree, more
Updated Mar 12, 2021;
Posted Mar 12, 2021
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Bud Dupree could be targeted by the New York Giants in free agency.AP
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Free agency is only a few days away.
The Giants still have work to do between now and then to clear out more cap space, at least if they intend to make any free agent signings of note this year.
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Here’s a ranking of the top 35 players set to hit free agency that make sense as potential Giants targets:
Detroit Lions free agency preview: Offensive line looking like a strength worth building around
Updated Mar 11, 2021;
Posted Mar 11, 2021
The Detroit Lions offensive line waits for a snap during their NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at Ford Field in Detroit, on Sunday, October 4, 2020. The Saints won the game, 35-29. (Mike Mulholland | MLive.com)Mike Mulholland | MLive.com
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Expiring contracts: G Oday Aboushi
Best available: T Trent Williams (49ers), T Daryl Williams (Bills), C Corey Linsley (Packers), G Joe Thuney (Patriots), C David Andrews (Patriots)
Other names to watch: T Alejandro Villanueva (Steelers), T Russell Okung (Panthers), T Demar Dotson (Broncos), T Mitchell Schwartz (Chiefs), T Eric Fisher (Chiefs), T Riley Reiff (Vikings), C Alex Mack (Falcons), Kevin Zeitler (Giants), G Jon Feliciano (Bills), G Mike Iupati (Seahawks), OL Matt Feiler (Steelers)
50 possible Giants free agency targets: Kenny Golladay, Kawann Short, James White, Jacoby Brissett, Patrick Peterson, more
Updated Feb 17, 2021;
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Dave Gettleman has made at least one splashy free agent signing in each offseason since he became the Giants general manager in 2018, sometimes more than one.
In 2018, he signed left tackle Nate Solder to a four-year, $62 million deal which hasn’t exactly paid dividends.
In 2019, he signed wide receiver Golden Tate to a four-year, $37.5 million deal that most would consider a failure.
In 2020, he signed cornerback James Bradberry (three years, $43.5 million) and linebacker Blake Martinez (three years, $30 million) to big contracts, and both signings were absolute home runs.