ESPN analyst wants Giants to sign All-Pro free agent
The New York Giants have been busy this offseason, whether it be extending Daniel Jones, or trading for Darren Waller, the re-load is fully underway. With free agency largely behind us, there are still some names lingering around the free-agent pool that can help teams succeed. In a recent piece by Bill Barnwell of ESPN, […]
The New York Giants have been busy this offseason, whether it be extending Daniel Jones, or trading for Darren Waller, the re-load is fully underway.
With free agency largely behind us, there are still some names lingering around the free-agent pool that can help teams succeed.
In a recent piece by Bill Barnwell of ESPN, the Giants swoop up one of the top names remaining on the market, addressing a positional need, with a household name.
Marcus Peters, Cornerback
Peters has been around the block in the NFL. Drafted by Kansas City, Peters then played for the LA Rams before his most recent run with the Baltimore Ravens.
An experienced player, perhaps you think Peters is getting a little long in the tooth, but the three-time Pro Bowler just turned 30.
The past two seasons didn't go to plan in Baltimore, but that was largely tied to a preseason ACL injury in 2021, one that forced him to miss all of 2021, and a portion of last season.
So why exactly would New York want to bring in an aging corner coming off a major injury?
I'll let Barnwell explain:
"Peters thrived after joining the Ravens in 2019 under the stewardship of defensive coordinator Don Martindale, who has since joined the Giants. Martindale's defense picked off just six passes last season, which was tied for the fewest of any team. The Giants could use a playmaker in the secondary. With Fabian Moreau on the free agent market, they have an open cornerback spot. Peters could compete with 2022 third-round pick Cor'Dale Flott for that opportunity."
Free agents are always going to look at which suitors fit them best. Familiarity with players, coaches, schemes, and even the area can be determining factors in a decision.
So when Barnwell points to the relationship between DC "Wink" Martindale and Peters, dating back to their time in Baltimore, you can start to put two and two together.
Another key factor in Barnwell's quote was the lack of ball production in the Giants secondary last season.
Six interceptions is not going to cut it in 2023 if this team wants to compete above the level they did last year.
Bringing in a wily vet who has amassed 32 career interceptions could certainly change that. Barnwell seemingly agrees, adding:
"Peters is always going to allow a big play or two, but his ability to read opposing quarterbacks and create takeaways has made him more than $60 million in contracts."
The only question to be sorted out is compensation. Often the trickiest part of free agency, Peters likely would be signed by now if he had the offer he wanted.
So I'm not saying Joe Schoen and the front office should shelve out a long-term deal, but why not take a one-year flyer on Peters?
The benefits could definitely outweigh the costs in this analysis.