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Giants Lose Out on Two Key Free Agent Targets

While you were sleeping, the NFL's legal tampering period continued to churn on.

Patricia Traina

Giants Lose Out on Two Key Free Agent Targets
Giants Lose Out on Two Key Free Agent Targets /
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The New York Giants had a productive first day of the "legal tampering" period on Monday, but as is usually the case, they didn't get everything they wanted or needed.

Besides losing running back Saquon Barkley and safety Xavier McKinney to the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers, respectively, the Giants also lost free agent quarterback Tyrod Taylor to the New York Jets and cornerback Darious Williams, whom they had hosted for a visit on Sunday, ended up signing with the Los Angeles Rams.

Cornerback remains one of the Giants top priorities, with Adoree' Jackson's contract having voided and Darnay Holmes's contract expiring. Neither is believed to be in the Giant's plans moving forward, and it's thought that general manager Joe Schoen may be looking to add veteran experience at that position given the youth in the room that includes second-year men Tae Banks and Tre Hawkins III and third-year players Cor'Dale Flott and Aaron Robinson.

Finding a veteran backup quarterback is also a top priority, something Schoen confirmed on multiple occasions in meetings with the press. Although the Giants are optimistic about having Daniel Jones back from an ACL, they want to protect themselves if Jones has a setback or gets injured again. 

While it's anticipated the Giants will draft a quarterback at some point next month, Schoen has said that they would like to have a guy who can go in there and win games for them if Jones isn't ready. 

New York briefly flirted with Russell Wilson, who agreed to terms with the Steelers. Sam Darnold went to the Minnesota Vikings, Kirk Cousins jumped to the Atlanta Falcons, Mitchell Trubisky signed with the Buffalo Bills, Jacoby Brissett signed with the New England Patriots, and Gardner Minshew left the Indianapolis Colts to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Ryan Tannehill (Titans) and Joshua Dobbs (Vikings) could be two names to watch for the Giants' veteran backup quarterback needs.

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Patricia Traina
PATRICIA TRAINA

Patricia Traina has covered the New York Giants for 30+ seasons, and her work has appeared in multiple media outlets, including The Athletic, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and the Sports Illustrated media group. As a credentialed New York Giants press corps member, Patricia has also covered five Super Bowls (three featuring the Giants), the annual NFL draft, and the NFL Scouting Combine. She is the author of The Big 50: The Men and Moments that Made the New York Giants. In addition to her work with New York Giants On SI, Patricia hosts the Locked On Giants podcast. Patricia is also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Football Writers Association of America.

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