Retirements were the big thing in the second period of free agency. We have all kinds of big names retire, some, who cost their team draft picks. Here on the Giants roster we had a retirement of our own in Kicker Graham Gano. This wasn’t unexpected as he was old as dirt but it was a very welcome surprise. He was costing the team 5 million in cap space and went all the way down to 92 Kicker power with 72 accuracy. This would have been devastating to use if he stayed.
Anyway, this freed up more money and the Giants had their eyes set on a new kicker, another lineman and a linebacker. 98 kick power with 80s accuracy is hard to find around the league, especially in free agency. The Giants were bought out of that race so they settle on three names this time around, Kicker Joey Slye, Will Cole Holcomb, and RG Jonah Jackson. There was no fighting for these guys services and they all signed with the Giants without an issue.
Kicker Joey Slye: 1 Year, 1.30 million
Slye has 98 kicker power but 75 accuracy at 30 years old. That accuracy could be an issue but at that cap hit, it’s a steal. It will cost 15 attribute points to get him to 80 accuracy but it will be well worth it.
Will Cole Holcomb: 1 Year, 4.8 million. Holcomb solves the Giants missing linebacker problem for the moment. He isn’t going to come in and be a savior but at 86 speed, 88 acceleration, 86 tackle, and 71 zone, he is good enough to start and make a difference in the linebacking core.
RG Jonah Jackson: 1 Year, 8.50 million. Jackson was one of the better lineman left in this period, but no one was going after him. He is older but he is someone who is going to come in and make the line better. He is about mid to upper 70s in everything but will be moved to center at the moment and be an instant upgrade over 71 overall Schwartz.
This free agency period was about picking up guys on one year deals who can come in and upgrade spots if need instantly but not cost money for years. Draft picks will supplement these spots and be better in the future.
