Giants Day-Four Free Agency Grades

The New York Giants made their big signing of free-agency the first day of the NFL’s legal negotiation period, agreeing to terms with former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Bobby Okereke on a four-year, $40 million deal. They made their big overall move the next day, trading for star tight end Darren Waller from the Las Vegas Raiders. The Giants were quiet on the third day. But general manager Joe Schoen got busy on day four, signing four players including three wide receivers. Let’s grade each of the Giants’ signings from day four of NFL free agency.

The New Toy: WR Parris Campbell – One Year, $3 Million

Everyone and their mother knew the Giants needed help at wide receiver. Big Blue arguably had the worst receiving corps in football last season, so Schoen couldn’t let free agency pass without addressing it some way. As was first reported by The Score’s Jordan Schultz, the Giants inked a one-year deal with Campbell, making him the third former Colt Schoen has signed in two offseasons. Campbell was drafted in the second round of the 2019 draft out of Ohio State, but simply couldn’t stay on the field over his first three seasons. He finally stayed healthy last year, and had a quasi-breakout with 63 catches and 623 yards.

Campbell’s most obvious attribute is speed, as he ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash at the 2019 scouting combine. That’s an element the Giants needed, and getting it for a reasonable price is well done by Schoen. He played mostly out of the slot last year, so it’ll be interesting to see how New York’s coaches reconcile a seeming redundancy with their other slot receivers like Wan’Dale Robinson and Sterling Shepard. If Campbell’s injury issues crop up again next season, this deal could become a waste of money. But if he stays healthy, he brings an upside within this offense that could make this deal a steal.

Grade: B

The “Who is That?” Guy: WR Jeff Smith – One Year, $1.25 Million

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported the Giants will sign former New York Jets wide receiver Jeff Smith. The undrafted free agent out of Boston College has played four years for the Jets, but has only started seven games over that time. Smith has very good speed, which he uses as a gunner on special teams. Expect that to be his role with Big Blue.

Grade: NON (No Opinion Necessary)

The Vibes Guy: EDGE Jihad Ward – One Year, Financials Still Unknown

If there was one pending free agent signing you almost knew the Giants were going to re-sign, it was Ward. So it was no surprise when ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reported Ward would be returning. Defensive coordinator Wink Martindale has spoken about much he values Ward. His energy and veteran presence is hard to replace, and quickly became a fan favorite in New York. Ward might not bring much as a pass rusher, but he’s a good run defender who understands the scheme inside and out. We still don’t know the financials involved, but they’ll be tolerable.

Grade: B

The Pleasant Return: WR Darius Slayton – Two Years, $12 Million

When the Giants signed Campbell, it was reasonable to see that as a signal of Slayton’s likely departure. After all, Campbell would be able to replace Slayton’s speed, and the Giants’ receiver depth chart was getting pretty crowded. But NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Slayton would be returning to the Giants, making him the second member of Big Blue’s 2019 draft class to sign a second contract with the team (along with quarterback Daniel Jones). The former fifth-round pick out of Auburn has been a rare source of consistency in New York’s offense. He went over 700 yards in three of his four seasons, and he remains a proven field stretcher. His critics will knock him for having unreliable hands, but his speed and established rapport with Jones make him worth Schoen’s investment.

Grade: B+

– Ryan Cuneo is the Managing Editor of Full Press Giants. He covers the New York Giants. Like and follow on Follow @ryan_cuneo Follow @FullPressGiants and Facebook.