New York Giants free agency 2017: Top 5 targets
By James Dudko
4. Jabaal Sheard, DE, New England Patriots
Jason Pierre-Paul’s future still being up in the air means the Giants can’t ignore competent pass-rushers during free agency. Jabaal Sheard fits the bill as a rush end versatile enough to thrive in Spagnuolo’s complex schemes.
The Giants’ defensive coordinator loves to move linemen around up front and even have them bail into coverage as part of elaborately designed fire-zone pressures. Sheard would slot seamlessly into these designs thanks to his time with the Pats.
New England head coach Bill Belichick played the one-time Cleveland Browns draftee at both end spots. He also regularly had Sheard line up inside and rush interior gaps. The 27-year-old spent time with his hand in the dirt and standing up in the Patriots’ multiple-front defense.
Sheard’s ability to win inside would appeal to Spagnuolo, who regularly uses ends along the interior on passing downs. He made Justin Tuck a star with the ploy back in ’07. Robert Ayers, Olivier Vernon and Pierre-Paul have all since slid inside when needed.
Speaking of Pierre-Paul, he’s going to be expensive to keep, even if New York uses the franchise tag. NJ.com’s James Kratch recently spelled out the cost of hitting JPP with the tag:
"The Giants would be tying up about half their available cap space one fell swoop. The NFL and NFLPA have not yet confirmed the 2017 salary cap number and the corresponding tag rates, but a CBS Sports projection (based on an assumed $168 million cap) put the defensive end tag level at just under $17 million."
If the Giants struggle with this decision, Sheard would be a useful, under-the-radar and cost-effective alternative.