Blinksportsnews247The NFL announced this off-season that total cap space increased by a record $30 million, giving the New York Giants an extra $10 million in salary room. Teams will now have $255 million to spend on their rosters, down from an anticipated $245 million.
The Giants, who had just under $20 million in financial flexibility going into the game on Friday, now have $32.8 million in club cap space that they may use in free agency.
The Giants’ Strategic Financial Planning
Of course, they have a few big contracts hanging over their roster, Daniel Jones’ being the most notable. The Giants have the option to opt out of Jones’ contract in the 2019 off-season, saving $22.2 million in dead money, even if Jones’ salary is guaranteed to be $47.1 million. But, they may maximize that opportunity and clear $30 million if necessary by spreading out the pay hit over the final two years of his contract. That would nonetheless save up almost $20 million in compensation space.
Free agency will be crucial to the Giants’ roster building process given the multitude of needs they have. Priorities include strengthening the offensive line, locating a strong pass-rusher, and bringing in an experienced cornerback. In addition, they need to decide critically on the futures of Xavier McKinney and Saquon Barkley.
Important Player Choices and Upcoming Opportunities
The Giants don’t appear to plan to utilize the franchise tag on either player, so Barkley is free to try his luck and extend an offer to McKinney elsewhere. The Giants will have to make a decision because the squad cannot afford to lose two players and their main leaders after a disappointing season. Right now, it seems likely that McKinney will sign a long-term contract extension, but after his greatest season, he wants a high salary.
Thankfully, the Giants will have plenty of financial room in the future, particularly if they decide to rework Andrew Thomas’ and Dexter Lawrence’s contracts. By releasing Mark Glowinski, they can clear a maximum of $25 million there and $5.7 million. Letting Darren Waller leave can also save them $6.7 million in expenses.
This off-season, the Giants may have up to $65 million at their disposal. This is great news because it means they won’t have to rework Jones’s contract and can continue without him, especially considering that they might cut him go the following season.
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