2012 NFL Free Agents: 5 Players New York Giants Must Sign for Super Bowl Repeat

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The New York Giants just won an incredibly exciting Super Bowl against the New England Patriots.

But, despite the team’s second Super Bowl win in five years, defending the championship won’t be easy.

The Giants, much like every other team, must make some improvements if they want to get back to the Super Bowl next year.

So, let’s take a look at five free agents who would help the Giants reach the top of the NFL again.

5. Aaron Ross, CB

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Aaron Ross was one of the most consistent players in the New York secondary this season. He does what is needed and doesn’t make very many mistakes.

For a Giants secondary that needs to be upgraded, keeping Ross is a necessity.

Better players must be signed this offseason, but keeping Ross would go a long way to preserving a key part of the Super Bowl-winning defense.

4. Tashard Choice, RB

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Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw didn’t get the job done in 2011.

They were last in the NFL in yards per game and yards per carry. Both Jacobs and Bradshaw will be back in 2012 though, so just adding a solid third running back should do the trick.

Choice has experience in a three-back system from his time in Dallas and may just need a change in scenery in order to become an effective back again.

3. David Hawthorne, LB

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The Giants need a lot more depth at linebacker, especially if Chase Blackburn leaves in free agency.

Hawthorne is a solid backer from Seattle. He had 115 tackles in 2011 and can play the pass, adding three interceptions for the Seahawks.

He’d shore up a major position of need in New York and could be available for a pretty decent price.

2. Jermichael Finley, TE

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Jake Ballard has been having trouble with injuries lately. Bear Pascoe and Travis Beckum aren’t starting-caliber tight ends.

If Eli Manning had a consistent high-quality tight end to throw to, he’d be next to unstoppable.

Adding the super-athletic Finley would make the Giants offense infinitely more potent and explosive.

1. Cortland Finnegan, CB

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The Giants have some solid corners, but they need a guy who can match up against top receivers one-on-one.

Finnegan is that guy. He’s physical and talented and can stop receivers by himself.

He can take away half the field from opposing quarterbacks, and that will make it even easier for the front four to get pressure.