Buying or Selling Giants' Top Offseason Performances Ahead of Training Camp

The New York Giants head into the 2024 season hoping that an influx of talent can return the roster to the playoff form it last showed in 2022.

The process of forging this year's team will begin, in earnest, this week. New York has held its organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamps. Rookies reported to training camp on July 16. However, the rest of the squad is set to report on Tuesday, July 23, and from there, the Giants will be off and running.

Last year's team was, to put it mildly, underwhelming. Yet, buzz has been building about a possible redemption season.

Here, we'll examine some of the top offseason performances from earlier in the Giants offseason, what they might mean for the coming year and whether we're truly buying into the hype.

New York's trade for Carolina Panthers pass-rusher Brian Burns was the highlight of its early offseason. The two-time Pro Bowler has elite potential and only cost the Giants a second-round pick—a swap of fifth-round picks was also involved.

Upon arriving, Burns quickly went to work developing a rapport with fellow pass-rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux.

"We just spend a lot of time trying to develop that chemistry. Also, healthy competition. We almost compete in everything we do," Burns said, per Michael Eisen of the team's official website.

Burns has also looked "dominant" in practices, according to Darryl Slater of NJ.com, though the pass-rusher doesn't put much stock into practice performances.

"It means nothing," Burns said, per Slater. "Training camp will show more. That's real football."

Indeed, fans should expect to see more impressive play from Burns during camp and into the regular season. The 26-year-old had a bit of a down year in 2023—though he still recorded eight sacks—but should shine alongside Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence II in New York's defense.

The Giants added some quarterback insurance early in the offseason by signing Drew Lock away from the Seattle Seahawks. There was some early buzz that Lock might get the opportunity to start over Daniel Jones in New York.

"They basically sold him on the opportunity to compete to be the starter," Seahawks general manager John Schneider told Seattle Sports Radio 710 AM in May (h/t NFL.com's Kevin Patra).

Lock has pushed back against that idea, telling reporters that he's the backup and there "to help Daniel."

It's been fair to wonder, however, if a strong offseason with the starters—Jones continues to rehab from a torn ACL—could give Lock a more legitimate opportunity. Lock has shown steady improvement through the offseason, according to head coach Brian Daboll.

"The coach noted that Lock has improved every day as he's gotten more familiar with the offensive system and developed a rapport with his offensive teammates," Dan Benton of Giants Wire wrote during minicamp.

It's just hard to buy the idea that Lock poses any real threat to Jones, if the latter quarterback is healthy. New York has a strong financial commitment to Jones and must find out if he's the answer long-term. The Giants can release Jones next offseason and save $19.4 million in cap space.

Seeing progress from Lock is great, but he's highly unlikely to push Jones or upgrade New York's QB situation.

While Burns was clearly New York's biggest addition of the early offseason, first-round pick Malik Nabers was its biggest addition of the draft. The former LSU star is expected to fill the Giants' longstanding need for a true No. 1 wide receiver.

Nabers has flashed his No. 1 receiver potential and was an offensive focal point by minicamp.

"It goes to show just how much of an impression the first-round pick has made heading into training camp that the team has plays designed just for him," ESPN's Jordan Raanan wrote. "It's because Nabers, the No. 6 selection earlier this year out of LSU, has showed out this spring."

Nabers has also impressed veteran teammates like fellow receiver Darius Slayton.

"He's looked good," Slayton told the All Facts No Brakes podcast with Keyshawn Johnson. "Honestly in my opinion he reminds me of Ja'Marr Chase."

Chase exploded on the NFL scene in 2021 with a 1,455-yard, 13-touchdown campaign. While Nabers might not replicate those impressive numbers—New York doesn't have Joe Burrow under center—he should still be as advertised as a rookie.

Nabers has looked like a game-changer during the offseason. He'll continue to do so in games that matter.

*Contract information via Spotrac.