New York Giants: 7 Free-Agent Targets Who Could Key a Successful Title Defense

The New York Giants have one area of major concern and only require tinkering in other areas as they get set to enter free agency.

Linebacker is the position group that requires the most attention and a player such as Detroit Lions standout Stephen Tulloch would represent an ideal signing.

An aging offensive line would also benefit from an infusion of young talent at key positions. The tackle spots could certainly use an upgrade.

San Diego Chargers tackle Jared Gaither is amongst those who should merit strong consideration from the Giants.

Salary cap space is a concern this offseason, with Spotrac.com estimating the latest figure to be just over $8 million.

With this in mind, here are seven potential targets who would strengthen an already elite team and possibly contribute to a successful title defense.

1. Mike Tolbert, RB, San Diego Chargers

The imminent release of Brandon Jacobs means the Giants need a new power rusher for their backfield rotation. Mike Tolbert represents a smart and cost effective option.

Tolbert has the size and physical style to offer the same brand of smash mouth running that Jacobs was capable of. The 5'9", 243-pounder is also a better receiver and pass blocker than Jacobs.

There are more high profile names like Michael Bush and Peyton Hillis to consider. However, the Giants need a complimentary power runner for Ahmad Bradshaw, not a featured back.

Tolbert is used to working in a rotation during his time with the Chargers and is a more realistic target, given the Giants' cap constraints.

2. Jared Gaither, OT, San Diego Chargers

Despite a troubling injury history, Gaither is a highly capable tackle when healthy. He could be worth the Giants taking a risk.

Gaither ended the season with the Chargers after failing to establish himself with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was impressive for the Chargers and reminded the league that he possesses elite skills.

The 6'9", 340-pounder has the versatility to play either tackle spot and uses a combination of nimble footwork and raw power to excel in both run blocking and pass protection.

He probably fits best at left tackle for the Giants. This free-agent group is highlighted by Buffalo Bills star Demetrius Bell and Arizona Cardinals standout Levi Brown.

However, both are likely to carry hefty price tags on the open market. Gaither represents a better value choice.

The injury issues are an obvious concern. A persistent back problem cost him the 2010 season and he has struggled to resemble the dominant force he was in 2008 and 2009.

Yet the 25-year-old is still young enough to get over the problems and re-focus himself towards becoming a more accomplished player. The Giants' determined squad and disciplined coaching staff could provide the perfect environment for Gaither.

3. Stephen Tulloch, MLB, Detroit Lions

Stephen Tulloch is the kind of savvy and athletic middle linebacker who would be a perfect fit for Perry Fewell's schemes. The 5'11", 240-pounder is an active presence at the heart of a 4-3 front.

Tulloch posted 111 tackles, notched three sacks and recorded two interceptions for the Lions in 2011. He would immediately solve a long-standing problem for the Giants at middle linebacker.

The only drawback is that as one of the more marquee inside 'backers on the market, Tulloch could well command a big money deal. Certainly any team interested is going to have to contend with the obvious fact that the Lions would be loathed to lose Tulloch. The Giants' front office may be wise to try and seek out a more cap friendly alternative

4. Dan Connor, LB, Carolina Panthers

Dan Connor is a worthy alternative to Tulloch. He has plenty of 4-3 experience, particularly from his time spent working with one time Giants defensive coordinator and ex-Panthers head coach, John Fox.

The 26-year-old is an intelligent linebacker, with the instincts and awareness to diagnose plays and the athleticism to react quickly. Although he lacks prototypical size at 6'2" but only 231 pounds, Connor offers good sideline to sideline speed and is a fierce hitter.

He has expressed a desire to explore his options in free agency and is eager to prove himself as a regular starter. The Giants could certainly use a smart run stuffer like Connor in the middle of their defense.

5. Barry Richardson, RT, Kansas City Chiefs

Barry Richardson has the quickness and durability to be a solid right tackle for the G-Men. The expected release of Kareem McKenzie has created a void and Richardson is a replacement with plenty of potential.

The 25-year-old has not missed a game in the last two seasons. At 6'6" and 315 pounds he is powerful and mobile enough to be an effective drive blocker in the running game.

His technique in pass protection does need refining, in particular his timing. Yet with good coaching Richardson could become a capable and reliable performer for the Giants for years to come.

6. Phillip Wheeler, LB, Indianapolis Colts

A lot of attention this offseason has focused on the Giants' need for help at middle linebacker. However, the defense could also benefit from more speed and playmaking ability on the outside.

Phillip Wheeler is an interesting option to consider. The 27-year-old is a fast linebacker with great lateral quickness and tremendous closing speed in run pursuit.

At 6'2" and 240 pounds, Wheeler may fit best on the strong side for the Giants. If played in a more aggressive scheme and used as a blitzer and allowed to attack downhill, Wheeler has the talent to make a lot of plays for Big Blue.

The annual Osi Umenyiora trade saga and the free-agent status of Dave Tollefson, could create a sizeable hole in the defensive end rotation. Penciling Wheeler in at linebacker would allow Mathias Kiwanuka to take more snaps at his natural defensive end position.

7. Daniel Fells, TE, Denver Broncos

While this author would prefer to see the Giants go after Stanford's Coby Fleener in the draft, if they were to target a tight end in free agency, Daniel Fells would be a nice pickup. The unheralded Denver Broncos pass catcher would be a good fit for the Giants attack.

At 6'4" and 252 pounds, Fells would offer Eli Manning a big target over the middle. He is a smart route runner with above-average hands.

Fells is also a stout blocker who would be an asset when supplementing the front five, particularly in pass protection. His frame and physicality would even allow Fells to operate from the backfield on occasion and take some snaps at H-Back.

While he lacks natural explosion and offers limited downfield potential, if given more to do Fells could surprise a few people in New York.

The players on this list may not be marquee names, but they are all solid performers with good upside who would not stretch the Giants salary cap to breaking point.