The Giants could be on the verge of losing key components of both their front office and coaching staff.
Assistant general manager Brandon Brown was in Los Angeles on Wednesday for his second interview to be the Chargers general manager at the same time that offensive coordinator Mike Kafka was in Seattle for his second interview to be the Seahawks head coach, The Post confirmed.
The Chargers are looking to replace Tom Telesco, who was just hired to be the general manager of the rival Raiders and work with former Giants great Antonio Pierce as head coach.
At the same time they are interviewing GMs, the Chargers reportedly are negotiating with Jim Harbaugh to be their head coach.
Harbaugh and Brown have a personal relationship, sources say, though the root of that connection is unknown beyond interactions when Brown is scouting Harbaugh’s players at Michigan.
offseason after surrendering a league-high 85 sacks in 2023.
The interior of the Giants’ offensive line is particularly weak with new starters needed at both left and right guard.
Thankfully, there are some solid options at right guard that will be available on the open market this offseason to hopefully fix the Giants’ offensive line once and for all.
Spending big money on the market’s best right guard
The top right guard projected to hit the open market this offseason is Robert Hunt of the Miami Dolphins.
There is some doubt that the Dolphins will be able to re-sign Hunt after already extending right tackle Austin Jackson to a lucrative contract.
Hunt could consequently hit the open market as one of the top players in the entire free agency class.
If the Giants want to make a splash this offseason, targeting Hunt would be a great way to achieve that goal.
Hunt should be the Giants’ top priority in free agency if he does indeed become an unrestricted free agent.
The 27-year-old guard finished the 2023 season as Pro Football Focus’ No. 6 ranked offensive guard with a 77.1 overall grade.
He surrendered only one sack and five total pressures this season, proving to be one of the league’s elite pass protectors.
Hunt began his career as an offensive tackle but moved to the interior to maximize his talents.
Still, his tackle flexibility only boosts his value for a Giants team that needs help across the offensive line. Adding Hunt won’t be easy, however, as he should command money at the top of the market.
PFF projects a four-year, $70 million ($17.5 million per year), $42 million total guaranteed contract for Hunt this offseason.
This deal would make Hunt the third-highest-paid right guard in the NFL (Over The Cap).
Reuniting with a stellar veteran pass protector
The Giants could attempt to reunite with a familiar face this offseason. Veteran right guard Kevin Zeitler will be a free agent after spending the past three seasons of his career with the Baltimore Ravens.
Zeitler was a member of the Giants from 2019 to 2020 after being acquired via trade from the Cleveland Browns.
During his stretch with Big Blue, Zeitler was easily the team’s best offensive lineman.
He has gone on to continue his success as a reliable pass protector for the Ravens.
During his three-year tenure with Baltimore, Zeitler has never posted a Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade lower than 79.7.
Zeitler would serve as an instant upgrade for the Giants at right guard, just as he was when they acquired him in 2019.
Bringing him back for a second stint would give New York some much-needed stability on the interior.
He has been on the field for 800+ snaps in 12 consecutive seasons.
The Giants can’t go wrong with Mr. Reliable Zeitler.
