New York Giants: 9 Free Agents They Should Target in 2012

It was no secret after the 2009 season that the Giants needed help in the secondary, especially at the safety position, so they went out and picked up two guys that immediately improved their defense.

Antrel Rolle made the Pro Bowl for the second time in his first season with the Giants, and Deon Grant proved to be a key addition and starred in his backup role.

So who will the Giants be targeting after this season? There are a ton of big name free agents set to hit the market next season, pending the new labor agreement, of course.

Let's look at a few of the names the Giants may have their eyes on.

Jermichael Finley, TE

Per a report from ESPN's Chris Mortenson, if and when the new CBA is agreed upon, all players whose contracts are up with four, five, and six years of experience will be unrestricted free agents.

This means that Kevin Boss may no longer be with the Giants this season if he chases money.

If the Giants get a short-term solution, it could end up benefiting them as there are several free agent tight ends set to hit the market next season.

Jermichael Finley was on pace for a breakout year when an injury ended his 2010 season. It will be hard to pry him from the Super Bowl champs, but the Giants should throw any money they can at this guy next year.

He is a special talent.

Greg Olsen, TE

Greg Olsen can do it all: block, make clutch receptions, and he has the speed to beat linebackers in coverage.

The Giants have not found a go-to tight end since Jeremy Shockey left, and maybe his fellow Miami Hurricane can be that guy.

Kamerion Wimbley, DE

Kamerion Wimbley had a good start to his career with the Cleveland Browns before falling off into mediocrity. He revamped his career in Oakland and had a nice 2010 season with nine sacks.

With the Giants possibly looking to replace Osi Umenyiora—he could demand a trade if the Giants don't rework his contract—Wimbley would be a great addition to an already beast defensive line.

Mario Williams, DE

Mario Williams has been an outstanding 4-3 defensive end since being the first overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft. He was the unpopular selection the Texans went with over Reggie Bush and Vince Young—I'd say they made the right choice.

Williams is switching to 3-4 OLB, where I'm not sure he fits. If he wants to move back to defensive end when his contract runs out this year, I'm sure the Giants would make room for him.

He's a special talent with a perfect blend of power and speed; he causes nightmares for opposing quarterbacks

E.J. Henderson, MLB

E.J. Henderson has been one of the most underrated players in all of football, probably because he plays all the way up there in Minnesota. He finally made a Pro Bowl in 2010 and will be a free agent looking for a decent pay day in 2012.

The Giants have a peculiar situation at middle linebacker. Jonathan Goff played well, but it is universally agreed upon that there are better options out there, and Henderson is certainly one of them.

Mario Manningham, WR

The Giants could potentially lose one of their best offensive weapons next season as Mario Manningham is set to be a free agent.

The home run threat had his best year in 2010 with 944 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. He filled in admirably when Steve Smith was out with injuries.

The Giants will definitely be looking to re-sign him, if the price is right.

Marques Colston, WR

If the Giants choose to go after one of the high-priced free agent wide receivers instead of re-signing Manningham, I would love it if they went after Marques Colston. He won't command as much money as Larry Fitzgerald and has a similar skill set.

He has vacuums for hands and is a tremendous threat in the red zone. He would fit perfectly opposite Hakeem Nicks.

Ben Grubbs, OG

The Baltimore Ravens have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, and Ben Grubbs is a big part of that. He's appeared in every game since his rookie year and started all 16 games in three consecutive seasons.

The Giants could be on the hunt for a new left guard with this being the last year of Rich Seubert's contract and him coming off a major injury. Mitch Petrus is a possibility, but I would like to see the Giants go for the sure thing.

Adrian Peterson, RB

Ah, the prized stud. Adrian Peterson is probably not leaving Minnesota, but that doesn't mean he won't be receiving offers from any team in the market for a running back.

That could be the Giants next year. If this unrestricted free agent bites, the Giants in the you-know-what, Bradshaw could be playing somewhere else this season.

The Giants have told him he is a priority, but you never know what could happen.

Adrian Peterson is the best running back in the NFL right now and would make the Giants pretty much unstoppable on offense.

I can dream, right?