New York Giants: 5 free agents to sign in order to win in 2020

3. New York Giants free agent targets: Michael Bennett, defensive end

Another former Cowboys’ performer on this list. And veteran defensive end Michael Bennett certainly knows his way around the NFC East in recent years. He spent 2018 with the Philadelphia Eagles and this past season nine games with Dallas after being dealt to Jerry Jones’ team by the New England Patriots. And the New York Giants can use all the help they can get on this side of the football, which had been a major weakness for the club in recent years and has fallen off greatly from a terrific showing back in 2016.

Bennett’s 2019 resume includes a total of 6.5 sacks in 15 games with the Pats (2.5) and Cowboys (4). The 11-year pro and three-time Pro Bowler (all with the Seattle Seahawks) has 69.5 quarterback traps and 13 forced fumbles. Although he bounced around between two clubs this past season, he did play all 16 games for the Birds in ’18 and finished with 34 stops, nine sacks and two forced fumbles.

As previously mentioned, the Giants’ defense has taken its lumps in recent years and this past season, finished 25th in the league in total yards allowed while only four NFL clubs surrendered more yards through the air. In free agency, general manager Dave Gettleman did add the likes of inside linebacker Blake Martinez, pass rusher Kyler Fackrell and defensive tackle Austin Johnson to the front seven. Bennett would be a solid veteran addition.