New York Giants Free Agency: 3 Veteran Defenders New York Should Consider

They came on strong in the postseason, but the New York Giants defense was the weak link of the team for much of the regular campaign. Heading into their title defense, the G-Men have issues at linebacker, defensive tackle and third safety.

Given their limited cap space, only a select few players are realistic targets in free agency. The following three veterans are the best options worth pursuing: 

Trevor Laws, DT, Philadelphia Eagles

To call the 26-year-old a veteran may be a stretch, but four-year pro Trevor Laws has developed well with the Giants' hated rivals in Philadelphia. He is an effective interior rusher, who has collected five sacks over the last two seasons in a situational role.

At 6'1" and 304 pounds, Laws has good first-step quickness and plays with excellent leverage. The Giants have solid run-stoppers in Chris Canty and Linval Joseph, but Laws could offer more pressure inside as a situational three-technique. He would be an upgrade on unsigned duo Rocky Bernard and Jimmy Kennedy. 

Gary Brackett, MLB, Indianapolis Colts

Brackett fell victim to the purge of the old guard in Indianapolis and was released in early March. However, the 5'11", 235-pound tackling dynamo could be a smart pickup for Big Blue.

The New Jersey native is a quick and active middle linebacker who utilises excellent tackling technique and football smarts. Brackett is also an adept zone pass-defender with the experience to call signals in Perry Fewell's defense.

Injuries have been a concern for the 31-year-old in recent seasons, but of the middle linebackers left in free agency, Brackett represents the best value choice for the Giants. 

Bob Sanders, S, San Diego Chargers

The Giants need an in-the-box safety for their three-safety packages and injury-prone veteran Bob Sanders could be worth the risk. The 2007 NFL Defensive Player of the Year has seen his career wrecked by injury, having made a mere 11 starts since collecting the individual honour.

However, when fit, Sanders is still a starting-calibre safety. The 31-year-old has superb instincts and is a fierce hitter. Fewell often likes to use a safety as a hybrid linebacker in certain fronts, and Sanders still possesses the skills to excel in this role.

A one-year pay-as-you-play deal could be worked out to potentially give the Giants a value sub-package playmaker. 

Conclusion

Depth proved to be a problem in 2011 for a defense ravaged by injuries. Many of the younger players who were thrust into the lineup faltered under the pressure.

Some veteran experience and talent would prevent similar struggles this season and provide useful help to returning youngsters like Prince Amukamara, Marvin Austin and Chad Jones.