And on the second day, the Giants … continued to spend.
That is the likely scenario for Thursday, even after the Giants went on an unprecedented spending spree on the first day of NFL free agency.
Wednesday’s haul brought in defensive end Olivier Vernon, cornerback Janoris Jenkins and defensive tackle Damon “Snacks’’ Harrison. All three expensive newcomers will take physicals at the Giants’ team facility on Thursday and then sign their contracts.
Added to the re-signing of defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, the Giants doled out $204.25 million in contracts, with $114 million in guaranteed money, to rebuild their decrepit defense.
General manager Jerry Reese is not done, though. The Giants entered free agency $56.6 million under the salary cap, the most they ever carried onto the open market. After writing the four contracts for the defensive rebuild, the Giants should still have $25.9 million under the cap to spend.
They used $37 million in salary cap space on four players: $13 million for Vernon, $9.4 million on Pierre-Paul, $8 million on Jenkins and $6.6 million on Harrison. The Giants will save about $6.3 million on the cap with the restructuring of receiver Victor Cruz’s contract.
This means the Giants embark on the second day of free agency well-armed, with nearly $26 million, to continue to reshape their roster. They are likely done with the marquee signings, but there are plenty of high- to mid-level players left to sort through.
Reese went young and durable on the first day, and he might be inclined to pick off a few slightly older veteran types to fill specific needs. It is believed Reese does not want to invest big money on safeties, but a veteran presence is needed to work with Landon Collins and the other young safeties (Bennett Jackson, Nat Berhe, Mykkele Thompson) coming back. Former Chargers mainstay Eric Weddle (31 years old) remains on the market, as does Reggie Nelson (32, coming off an eight-interception season for the Bills). Another intriguing name: Walter Thurmond, who transitioned nicely to safety last year with the Eagles after an injury-ruined 2014 season with the Giants.
At linebacker, Jerrell Freeman, Tahir Whitehead and Keenan Robinson could interest the Giants. There is a need for a receiver — Mike Wallace and Jermaine Kearse are available, as is the Giants’ own player, Rueben Randle. Veteran offensive linemen Donald Penn and Louis Vasquez will also find new homes.
