For every NFL team, free agency begins by evaluating which of its free agents to try to keep and which to let hit the open market. Let’s start by taking a look at 25 New York Giants unrestricted free agents who could hit the open market this offseason and try to decide which ones the team should try to keep..
Reasons to keep Robinson
Robinson signed a one-year, $5 million deal that included a paltry $2.1 million through 2024 to improve veteran depth and lead the defense along the defensive line.As a team, the Giants didn’t fully improve against the run in 2023. In 2022, the Giants were 31st in the league giving up 5.3 yards per rushing attempt. In 2023, yards allowed improved to 4.7 yards per rushing attempt, but still ranked 31st in the NFL.Robinson still did a relatively good job for the Giants. With Leonard Williams, who was traded mid-season, and Dexter Lawrence with a hamstring injury, Robinson played more than expected. He played in all 17 games, starting 13. He played 515 passes defensed (45.6%). 4,444 4,444 Robinson finished with 62 tackles, the second most of his career. His 34 solo tackles were his career best. He also tied a career high with six shutouts. His 36 interceptions were also the second most of his career, per Pro Football Focus.In the Giants’ last 11 games, Robinson has played more than 40% of the team’s snaps nine times.Robinson will be 29 next season and should be able to play at a relatively high level for some time. The Giants need to continue to develop both lines and shouldn’t let good players go if they can help it. Robinson is a good player who can fill a utility role..
Reasons to let him go
First, the Giants have two young draft picks — D.J. Davidson and Jordon Riley – who should be in line for more playing time. They also have veteran defenseman Rakeem Nunez-Roches under contract next season, although Nunez-Roches has no guaranteed money in his contract. However, a $2.866 million cap hit to cut Nacho and only save $1.466 in cap space does not seem like a good business decision.So is Robinson necessary? In particular, it costs $ 5 million or more. Would the Giants be better off riding with what’s left of what they have, adding a defensive tackle in the draft and perhaps trying to add depth with some cheaper veteran players?.
The decision
The Giants can’t hemorrhage utility players who are affordable. If Robinson agrees to a second-year deal with the same or slightly more money than in 2023, the Giants should try to keep him. If he’s looking for multiple seasons or a deal worth around $8 million, let him see if he can find it on the open market..
