Giants Free Agency Recap: Grades for every signing and trade so far

Read below for analysis of Giants free agency.

Rob Gregson NFL News Writer
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Giants Free agency grades
© Danielle Parhizkaran/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Giants attacked free agency with the goal of adding weapons around newly contracted quarterback Daniel Jones. 

With a litany of re-signings, free agency pickups, and even a monster trade, it's safe to say they have done just that. 

So without further ado, let's grade all the moves made by New York thus far, starting with re-signings and special teams. 

Re-signings:

Jamie Gillan: A

Gillian has been a solid punter for the Giants, averaging a career-best, 46.8 yards a punt in 2022. 

At only 25 years old, a two-year deal is solid for Gillan and the Giants. 

Casey Kreiter: A

A long-snapper should be out of the spotlight and hardly known even to those who bleed Giant Blue. 

Kreiter has been just that with his snaps. Keeping him around ensures continuity on special teams. 

Wyatt Davis: C

A mere depth piece, Davis is a developmental interior offensive lineman. His signing gives the team depth but is a rather neutral effect. 

Isaiah Hodgins: C

Hodgins is only 24 years old and worked his way into the starting lineup through injuries. 

A former practice squad player, he has shown flashes of NFL ability, making a reliable piece towards the end of the receiving corps. 

Jarrad Davis: C

Similar to the aforementioned re-signs, Davis is merely a depth piece at this point, as upgrades have been attained for linebacker, with the potential for more to come. 

Sterling Shepard: C+

Shepard returns to New York on a one-year deal, under the impression he is there for depth and leadership. 

Often the best Giants pass catcher when on the field, Shepard has been plagued by injuries most of his career, but if he's healthy, look for the veteran to impact games in the fall. 

Matt Breida: B-

Breida is a reliable backup that presents juice as a change-of-pace player and considerable pass protection. His return is noted. 

Jihad Ward: B

Ward is returning to provide veteran pass-rush help while mainly being a vocal leader. Known to be applauded by teammates and coaches alike, Ward is the type of leader that young teams need. 

Darius Slayton: B+

Slayton returns to the Giants after leading the team in receiving yards in 2022. His ability to win down the stretch obviously left a strong impression on New York, as he signed a two-year deal. 

Daniel Jones: A

Jones is returning as the signal caller in New York, officially inking a four-year, $160 million dollar deal with at an APY of $40 million. 

Some feel this is too high of a price for a quarterback who threw only 15 passing touchdowns last season, but the truth is, Jones is a solid quarterback and got paid within the appropriate range. 

Ranked as the ninth quarterback in average salary per year, Jones will have to prove he's a top 10 player, but year two with a Mastermind as head coach and a better-supporting cast could result in just that. 

Signings:

Rakeem Nunez-Roches: B

Nunez-Roches comes over from Tampa on a three-year deal. Used as a situational player during the Super Bowl run for the Bucs, Nunez-Roches can provide valuable depth and spell Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams as needed. 

Bobby Okereke: A

Okereke signed a four-year, $40 million dollar deal that places him 12th in the rankings of linebackers per average salary

A good linebacker during his time with the Colts, Okereke is an immediate upgrade to a unit that was fielding practice squad players in the playoffs. 

Expect his frenetic pace and coverage ability to pop off the screen come Sundays in the fall.

Jeff Smith: C

Smith makes the switch from Jet's green to Giants Blue after signing a one-year deal with the Giants. Likely an addition to the bottom of the roster, Smith is a veteran depth piece. 

Parris Campbell: B

Campbell was finally able to stay healthy for the Colts last season, showing flashes of speed and presenting the ability to win as a deep threat despite inadequate quarterback play. 

If he can overcome his durability issues, Campbell can take the offense to a new level in 2023. 

Trade(s):

Darren Waller: A+

Waller comes over from Vegas in a blockbuster trade, one that caught himself off guard

The Giants only gave up a third-round pick to acquire the former Pro Bowler, making this an easy win for the front office barring one key circumstance:

Health. 

Waller has missed time the last two seasons with soft tissue injuries, but he and big blue nation hope those days are behind him. 

If so, the offense may finally un-tap the potential that head coach Brian Daboll envisions.