Grading the signing: John Harbaugh reunites with free agent to add more competition to critical position group

The New York Giants aren’t done making moves before the NFL Draft, as head coach John Harbaugh brings in a familiar face to compete at a loaded position they still need to figure out.

Josh Taylor — Washington Commanders News Writer
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Nov 12, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Daniel Faalele (77) looks on before a game against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. © Jessica Rapfogel-Imagn Images

The New York Giants are kicking off their offseason programs after making massive moves, but they weren’t done yet.

After an active free agency period, the focus turned to the NFL Draft, which is just two weeks away. New head coach John Harbaugh wanted to bring in more competition before then for a stacked position that needs to be figured out, and it’s a familiar face he knows too well.

The New York Giants signed RG Daniel Faalele as a late free agent addition

The Giants made many offensive line moves in free agency, which included re-signing Evan Neal, Jermaine Eluemunor, Aaron Stinnie, and Joshua Ezeudu. They also added from the free agent market by bringing in Lucas Patrick.

Now, they need to sort the right guard position out even more after Harbaugh brought in a familiar face in Daniel Faalele just before the NFL Draft.

The right guard position will be a competition to watch in camp, and Faalele brings a lot of size to the position at 6-8, 380 pounds. The New York Giants have a lot of options at right guard now with Daniel Faalele, Evan Neal, Lucas Patrick, Aaron Stinnie, Josh Ezeudu, and Bryan Hudson. That’s not even counting the possibility of drafting one that’s better than all of them.

Grading the signing of Daniel Faalele

It’s a one-year deal, so there’s not much harm, and having depth is nice, but Faalele shouldn’t be the answer. If he’s just depth, then this is a solid signing; if they’re hoping he starts, then this is a disaster.

Faalele was terrible with the Baltimore Ravens last season, and often stood out as a liability of the offensive line. He gave up four sacks last season, which was 67th among 81 guards last season, and 30 pressures, which was 65th. His size limited him in the run game, and didn’t help at all in pass protection like it should.

The New York Giants should draft a guard early in the draft to protect Jaxson Dart and create better run lanes.

GRADE: C-

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