Part of the debut episode of Hard Knocks‘ look at the New York Giants’ offseason featured some interesting conversation about free agents.
The Giants made improving their pass rush a priority this winter. Before they ultimately traded for Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns, New York at least had some conversations about free agent defensive tackles Chris Jones and Christian Wilkins.
We know this because the team allowed HBO to show clips of front office personnel discussing both players.
When Jones came up, Giants director of pro scouting Chris Rossetti called him a “future Hall of Famer” and “game-wrecking talent.” Rossetti gushed over a potential fit next to New York’s dominant nose tackle Dexter Lawrence, but was less sure about the Kansas City Chiefs star working financially.
“They’re the two best defensive tackles in football,” Rossetti said of Jones and Lawrence. “You watch the tape and you see Chris Jones getting double-teamed every snap, and the guy on the other just having one block. You just imagine that’s Dex with one guy on him every time. You know, the possibilities, the game-wrecking capability is there. Financially, is it possible where we’re at? You’re looking at like a $35 million cap hit next year.”
As for Wilkins, who spent his first five NFL seasons with the Miami Dolphins, Rossetti was less certain about Lawrence’s “best friend” and former college teammate.
“I don’t think he’s a difference-making pass rusher on third down. Which is what we need opposite Dex. But a really good football player who will do well for himself,” he said, an evaluation that appears to be inaccurate.
The Giants going over #Chiefs DT Chris Jones ahead of free agency on Hard Knocks . pic.twitter.com/G7IfuEKk5J
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When the dust on the offseason settled, the Giants sent a second and fifth-round picks to Carolina for Burns, who they then signed to a five-year, $141 million contract extension.
Jones re-upped in Kansas City for $158.75 million over five years, while Wilkins moved on to Sin City to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders for $110 million over four years.
Would the Giants have been able to lure Jones out of Kansas City, where he has won three Super Bowls? It seems unlikely, but we’ll never know for sure.
Did they make a mistake not pursuing Wilkins over Burns? Time will tell.
For now, it’s just interesting to get a look into how the team’s process unfolded.
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