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Martellus Bennett: 5 best fits in NFL free agency

By John Buhler

Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) catches a pass against Atlanta Falcons strong safety Keanu Neal (22) during the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) catches a pass against Atlanta Falcons strong safety Keanu Neal (22) during the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) wears custom cleats in honor of the "My cause, My cleats" campaign during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) wears custom cleats in honor of the “My cause, My cleats” campaign during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants

NFC, East

The New York Giants had a solid NFL season. They went 11-5 and made the NFC Playoffs for the first time since the 2011 NFL season. New York thrived as a defense-first football team under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. The problem is that head coach Ben McAdoo specializes on the other side of the ball.

McAdoo had a successful first year as the Giants head coach, but his offense was one of the most predictable in all of football. New York ran three wide receiver sets with a single back almost exclusively. It was easy to defend the stale New York offense as long as Pro Bowl wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. didn’t go off in a particular game.

Larry Donnell has had his moments of strength with the Giants, but New York needs to get better at tight end fast. Adding Bennett in free agency gives the Giants another explosive weapon at a position besides wide receiver.

Bennett played for the Giants for one season in 2012, so he is familiar with quarterback Eli Manning and how the organization conducts itself. While improving the running game is most crucial for the Giants offense, a tight end upgrade will only amplify the prowess of the New York aerial assault.

New York is not in a great situation with the salary cap. The Giants will only have $25,520,039 to use this spring. New York went all-in on upgrading the defense in free agency last year. Could the Giants be doing something similar on the offensive side of the ball this season?

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