It's no secret that the New York Giants need more help on the offensive line. Despite a major improvement on the O-line last season, allowing just 48 sacks in 2024 after allowing a league-leading 85 the year before, New York, without question, would still like to improve on that front.
The team did start that improvement by opting to bring back veteran guard Greg Van Roten this week on a one-year deal after a solid first season for Big Blue. They also added two swing tackles in Stone Forsythe and James Hudson III. But they shouldn't stop there if they want to protect their next signal-caller for the 2025 season, whether it's a veteran or a rookie. With that said, could these potential top O-linemen be realistic options as they still remain on the open market?
Should the G-Men try to sign these offensive linemen?
With NFL free agency now going full steam ahead, there are still many talented players on both sides of the ball who are free agents. In this recent article for Bleacher Report, Kristopher Knox listed offensive linemen Teven Jenkins and Mekhi Becton in his top 10 for the best remaining free agents.
Jenkins was a second-round draft choice by the Chicago Bears in the 2021 NFL Draft, and after Chicago traded for fellow guard Joe Thuney from the Kansas City Chiefs, they're not expected to bring Jenkins back. Despite Jenkins being ranked just 15th among guards by Pro Football Focus during the 2024 season and only playing more than 14 games just once in his career, he does bring strong versatility when healthy and is just 26 years old. Van Roten may be back with the Giants this season, but with him being 35, Jenkins looks like an upgrade.
As for Becton, injuries have certainly been a recurring theme for the guard, but after signing a one-year prove-it deal with the Philadelphia Eagles last season, he may be in for a big payday down the road. The 25-year-old started 15 games for the Eagles in 2024, and even though he was graded as the 21st-ranked guard, according to Pro Football Focus, he still has potential. The guard may have been plagued by nagging knee injuries and inconsistency in the past, but why shouldn't the Giants take a chance on him?
As of the publication of this article, Becton has been signed by the Los Angeles Chargers.
Other free agents still available are Brandon Scherff (OG, 33), David Andrews (C, 32), and Will Hernandez (OG, 29). All three would come in and immediately compete for a starting position.
It remains to be seen whether the G-Men will ride with Van Roten as their starting guard for the 2025 season, but his age makes it look like he shouldn't be a part of their future plans for years ahead. With Jenkins, Scherff, Andrews, and Hernandez seeming to still have enough juice left in the tank, the Giants should inquire about their talents.
