Marshall Newhouse signs with Oakland Raiders, D.J. Fluker to visit Giants

The New York Giants need to find help on the offensive line grew a bit bigger Saturday morning with a report that Marshall Newhouse has agreed to a two-year contract with the Oakland Raiders.

Newhouse, 28, was often criticized by fans during his two seasons with the Giants. He did, however, have value. He started 20 games in his two seasons.

Signed to be a reserve swing tackle, Newhouse started 14 games at right tackle in 2015 after the season-ending injury to Will Beatty pushed him into the lineup. He started 2016 as the Giants’ right tackle, got injured, lost that job to Bobby Hart, started a couple of games at guard after Justin Pugh was injured and re-emerged at right tackle in Week 17.

Newhouse was not a great player. He was, however, a professional who took his job seriously and was already prepared to step in when needed.

Offensive tackle market keeps shrinking

The Giants’ options for tackle help in the free agent market continue to shrink.

The Raiders snagged Newhouse after their own right tackle, Menelik Watson, signed with the Denver Broncos. The Giants had reportedly expressed interest in Watson. Another right tackle option, Mike Remmers, signed with the Minnesota Vikings after the Carolina Panthers replaced him with Matt Kalil. Another potential option, Kelvin Beachum, signed with the New York Jets.

The Giants will host former Los Angeles Chargers right guard/tackle D.J. Fluker for a free-agent visit. That visit is expected to take place this weekend.

If the Giants sign Fluker, 26 next season, he would bring a player who has significant starting experience on the right side. He could compete for a job at either right guard or right tackle, both currently question marks for the Giants.