Giants' Top Players to Avoid in 2024 NFL Free Agency

The New York Giants have work to do this offseason. Following a disappointing six-win campaign, the Giants need to rebound in a big way in 2024, and they'll have to improve the current roster to do it.

New York ranked 29th in total offense and 27th in total defense in 2023, and it could lose key players like Saquon Barkley, Adoree' Jackson, Xavier McKinney and Isaiah Simmons in free agency.

There will be holes to fill. With $26.8 million in projected cap space, the Giants will look to start filling them when free agency officially opens on March 13. While New York has enough financial flexibility to be active in free agency, though, it has to be cautious with its approach.

With this in mind, let's examine three impending free agents that New York should look to avoid in 2024 free agency.

G Connor Williams

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MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 8: Connor Williams #58 of the Miami Dolphins runs out of the tunnel during player introductions prior to a game against the New York Giants at Hard Rock Stadium on October 8, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty Images)

The Giants need help along the offensive line, and they need it now. Regardless of who was under center in 2023, New York's quarterbacks faced constant pressure. Overall, Giants signal-callers were sacked an alarming 85 times.

With Andrew Thomas and Evan Neal on the roster, tackle probably won't be a top priority—though New York may bring in competition for Neal, who has been very inconsistent. The interior line is a more immediate need, and the Giants may want an experienced veteran.

Connor Williams is one of the more intriguing options headed to free agency. He has experience at both guard and center, and he's played at a high level for both the Dolphins and the Dallas Cowboys. He's also just 26 years old.

However, Williams is also coming off a torn ACL that he suffered in December, the second of his pro career. He may not be at 100 percent by the start of next season, and there's no guarantee that Williams can return to pre-injury form.

With a projected market value of $13.5 million annually, Williams won't come at a bargain. Williams has been a great player when healthy, but the Giants simply can't afford to hand out that sort of contract to a player who isn't a sure thing.

RB Austin Ekeler

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INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 23: Austin Ekeler #30 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks on during pregame warmups before an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at SoFi Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

Barkley was New York's most consistent offensive player in 2023, at least when healthy. However, there's a very good chance that he won't return in 2024.

"It sounds like the Giants are greasing the skids to at least letting Saquon Barkley test the open market," ESPN's Jordan Raanan said on the Breaking Big Blue podcast (beginning at the 2:18 mark). "Yes, they want him back, but no, they don't want to pay him what they think he's worth."

If Barkley departs, the Giants will be looking for a new versatile dual-threat running back who can aid Jones—or whoever the team has under center in 2024. Austin Ekeler has been exactly that sort of player throughout his NFL career, but the Giants should avoid the Los Angeles Chargers star.

Ekeler will turn 29 in May and is coming off an injury-hampered season. He topped 1,000 scrimmage yards for the third straight season, but he was limited as a runner, averaging just 3.5 yards per carry.

At this stage in his career, Ekeler is most effective as a pass-catcher. While he can still help a team tremendously in that role, the Giants need a capable leading rusher to bring balance to their offense. Their best bet may be to find one in the draft.

WR Mike Evans

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TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 24: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wide Receiver Mike Evans (13) makes a catch during the regular season game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 24, 2023 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Whether it's Jones or someone else at quarterback in 2024, the Giants still need help at wide receiver. Wan'Dale Robinson flashed potential in 2023, but Darius Slayton was the only wideout to top 550 receiving yards, and he led the team with just 770.

Mike Evans, who is coming off his 10th straight 1,000-yard campaign, is the most proven receiver scheduled to hit the market. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers star is still playing at a Pro Bowl level, and he can fill a team's need for a No. 1 target.

However, Evans will turn 31 in August and could hit the dreaded cliff at any time. He's also going to be one of the priciest options in free agency, with a projected market value of $23.8 million annually.

While the Giants might be able to sign Evans on a back-loaded contract, but they would likely have to overpay to do it. At this stage in his career, Evans likely wants no part of an uncertain quarterback situation like New York's.

The Giants aren't close enough to title contention to consider overpaying for a receiver who may or may not still be elite in a year or two. New York would be better served by targeting complementary receivers in free agency and seeking a new No. 1 target in April's draft.

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*Cap, contract and market information via Spotrac.