Giants news, 3/15: Darren Waller trade, Andrew Thomas, Trenton Simpson, more headlines

Good morning, New York Giants fans!

From Big Blue View

Giants acquire TE Darren Waller from Raiders

BBV’s Ed Valentine’s loves the move:

There is some risk involved because Waller will be 31 and has dealt with injuries the past two seasons, but this could essentially be a one-year deal for the Giants if things go awry.

Waller has four years left on his contract, but no guaranteed money after the 2023 season. Look at the contract chart from Over The Cap above, and there would be very little dead money should the Giants move on after the upcoming season. There is, though, always the possibility of some type of re-structure or new deal to lower Waller’s 2023 cap hit.

On the field, when healthy Waller should be an outstanding addition. He is a perfect complement to Daniel Bellinger, and is the type of big-bodied, big-play receiver the Giants figured to be searching for this offseason.

• Darren Waller trade reaction! Giants’ big deal is a BIG DEAL on Twitter
• Giants 2023 NFL free agency: About Bobby Okereke, and more ‘things I think’ after Day 1
• Film analysis: LB Bobby Okereke should fit nicely with New York Giants | New York Giants make good move in signing DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches
• 2023 NFL Draft prospect profile - Darius Rush, CB, South Carolina | Ricky Stromberg, OC, Arkansas

Other Giant observations

Giants Day 1 free agency takeaways: Depth the focus after splashy Okereke signing | The Athletic

The first day of free agency may have been even more lucrative for Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas. Jawaan Taylor agreed to a four-year, $80 million contract with the Chiefs, while Mike McGlinchey agreed to a five-year, $87.5 million deal with the Broncos.

Thomas’ price tag should only go up, assuming he continues his ascent into the elite class of left tackles. The highest paid left tackles make $23 million per year. Those contracts were signed when the salary cap was much lower, so a Thomas extension figures to easily clear $25 million per year by the time he signs.

Giants contingent at Clemson pro day to get a closer look at linebacker Trenton Simpson

2023 NFL free agency team-by-team Day 1 grades | CBSSports.com

Grade: C- Bobby Okereke's contract is also an overpay considering plenty of comparable linebackers like Alex Singleton, Alex Anzalone, and David Long Jr. all signed contracts for under $20 million in total value. Just because the Giants have money to spend, doesn't mean they need spend a significant chunk of it right now.

NFL Free Agency 2023: Grades for Every Signing, Trade | The 33rd Team

Grade: B+ Bobby Okereke had great production the past two years as a Colts starting linebacker. He’s a 26-year old former third-round pick. Okereke had 151 tackles last season, is a smart player with good instincts and can play different linebacker spots. He has been better against the run than the pass in his Colts years but his coverage skills have improved. He should help the Giants at a need position.

Giants big offseason setting up to push for NFC East crown | WFAN.com

Former Giant running back Tiki Barber says his old team is making strides in cutting the talent gap with the NFC East:

“The Giants’ expectations, it feels like they keep expanding every single day and week because of the things that are happening for them. When you look at the rest of the division - the Eagles have gotten weaker, both of their coordinators are gone, they keep losing players in free agency because they can’t afford to pay all their stars from last season…they’re getting older on the offensive line, they’re changing. Washington hasn’t really done anything, and the Cowboys are filled with turmoil.

“The only team in the NFC East that feels like they have a plan…the Giants feel like they have a plan, and they’re walking towards it with a lot of confidence…it’s only gonna get better, because they have 11 draft picks. They are making significant strides, while other teams, particularly in their division, are sidestepping or taking steps backwards…this is setting up to be one of the best offseasons the Giants have had in a long time.”

“Don’t ever want to compromise character for talent, I truly believe in that.”

Best Landing Spots for 2023 NFL Draft’s Fastest-Rising Prospects | Bleacher Report

The combine may have served as the first-round launching point for Maryland CB Deonte Banks. The cornerback out of Maryland ran a 4.35-second 40 with a 42-inch vertical and 11’4” broad jump. At his position, those numbers ranked third, first and second, respectively.

Even the Philadelphia Eagles could join the party if James Bradberry and/or Chauncey Gardner-Johnson don’t return. For each of the Cowboys, Giants and Commanders, it’s a matter of lacking depth at corner.

Giants, The Eli Manning Show nominated for Sports Business Journal Award | Giants.com

The Eli Manning Show is now being recognized for its excellence by Sports Business Journal, which has nominated the Giants for the SBJ 2023 Award - Best in Sports Social Media.

Around the league

Aaron Rodgers gives Jets wish list of free agents that include OBJ | ESPN.com

Allen Lazard agrees to four-year, $44 million deal with Jets | ProFootballTalk

Cowboys acquiring former All-Pro CB Stephon Gilmore from Colts in trade | NFL.com

Lamar Jackson disputes report he turned down $200M guaranteed from Ravens | CBSSports.com

Free agent James Bradberry returning to Eagles | ESPN.com

Atlanta Falcons signing former Commanders QB Taylor Heinicke to two-year contract | NFL.com

Commanders fire offensive line coach John Matsko | ProFootballTalk

Browns Sign DT Dalvin Tomlinson to 4-Yr, $57M Deal | Football Outsiders

Raiders signing former Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers to three-year, $33M deal | CBSSports.com

Saints plan to keep Michael Thomas on new one-year contract | ProFootballTalk

Vikings retain C Garrett Bradbury as Kirk Cousins reworks deal | ESPN.com

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