NFL Free Agency 2024: 15 targets on defense for GM Joe Schoen as NY Giants hit market

The New York Giants have a new defensive coordinator in Shane Bowen, and with his arrival a different mindset and philosophy. Not a drastic change, mind you, given the fact that no one in the NFL blitzes more than Wink Martindale, now the DC at Michigan after a not-so-smooth departure from Big Blue.

General manager Joe Schoen believes Bowen will blitz less and rely on his defensive front to create more pressure, which could mean a green light for Kayvon Thibodeaux - a key to unlocking his potential to the fullest - and more of an emphasis on the pass rush in free agency.

The Giants want to re-sign safety Xavier McKinney and will continue to talk with his representatives, but there has to be a plan if he lands elsewhere in what is developing as a deep market at the position.

The Giants have $38.3 million in available cap space as of March 7, according to Over the Cap.

NFL Free Agency 2024: 15 targets on offense for GM Joe Schoen as NY Giants hit market

Here is a look at 15 potential defensive targets for Schoen and the Giants to pursue as the negotiating period opens 12 p.m. Monday and lasts until the start of league year Wednesday at 4 p.m.:

Danielle Hunter, Edge

Hunter will turn 30 in late October, but he's showing no signs of slowing down. This would require the Giants to shop at the top of the market, but given his prior relationship with defensive line guru Andre Patterson and a need to upgrade the spot opposite Kayvon Thibodeaux, a commitment to a four-time Pro Bowler coming off a 16.5-sack season might be worth it.

Bryce Huff, Edge

At 25, Huff has a world of potential. He's been mostly used as a situational pass rusher, but there's no denying his production with the Jets. Huff had 10 sacks and 67 pressures last season, and his pass rush win rate of 22.7% is remarkable. His skill set screams untapped talent, but he's going to be pricey.

Denico Autry, Edge

There are a couple ex-Titans on this list, and for good reason with Bowen in the fold. If you're stuck in the rebuilding mindset, you may shy away from Autry, who turns 34 in July. He is a veteran presence that knows this system well, and he produces.

Josh Uche, Edge

A production dip for the 25-year-old Uche creates an interesting market for the former second-round pick out of Michigan. The Patriots reportedly want to bring him back, but Uche's skill set and breakout season two years ago in which he had 11.5 sacks could result in interest elsewhere from a team that believes in that talent.

Chase Young, Edge

Would be pretty wild if the story of the Chase Young Bowl came full circle and the Giants signed Young in free agency next week. The former No. 2 overall pick in Washington is still a polarizing player, and while he showed flashes after the 49ers acquired him via trade, Young appears poised for yet another new home. He's only 24.

Andrew Van Ginkel, Edge

Van Ginkel, 28, might be one of the best bargains at the position. He had 53 pressures on 321 pass rush snaps with the Dolphins, including eight sacks and five batted passes. He also improved his production in coverage with an interception and four pass break-ups last season.

A’Shawn Robinson, DL

Robinson was seemingly still working his way back into form from meniscus surgery early in the season. His play got better and better once Leonard Williams was traded and showed he could be a factor up front with All-Pro Dexter Lawrence. This was one of the hits for Schoen last offseason, so you could see Giants wanting to bring him back.

Kam Curl, S

The 24-year-old Curl is an ascending player. The 2020 seventh-round pick has started 53 of 60 games with the Commanders and his best appears to be in front of him. If McKinney signs elsewhere, Curl could be an ideal fit if the Giants want to sign a long-term replacement.

Justin Simmons, S

Simmons was a surprise release in Denver. His play has not dropped off much at age 30. It'd be fun to see Bowen with a player of his caliber, but Simmons might be ticketed for a reunion with Vic Fangio in Philadelphia.

Kevin Byard, S

The former Titans' star was traded to the Eagles last season and never emerged as the impact player Philadelphia hoped. Was that a product of age and where Byard is in his career - he turns 31 in August - or just a facet of the dysfunction that contributed to the Eagles' collapse down the stretch? The Giants might be the team with Bowen in command to make a bid to find out.

Jordan Fuller, S

Fuller is an underrated player on the market. He's missed games due to fluke injuries, but when healthy, he's a leader and a sound tackler on the back end for the Rams. This would be a homecoming for the Old Tappan graduate with Big Blue.

Jordan Poyer, S

Poyer was among the cap casualties in Buffalo. He can still play and team brass with the Giants certainly has familiarity with the 32-year-old. A short-term deal might not be the worst thing for this defense.

Eddie Jackson, S

Jackson was an outstanding player in his prime in Chicago. At 30, he could be in line for a prove-it deal that could pay dividends on the back end. He accumulated 459 total tackles and 15 career interceptions with the Bears, but had just one pick and five pass deflections last year.

Sean Murphy-Bunting, CB

Murphy-Bunting played well for the Titans overall last season, manning the boundary corner spot for more than 800 snaps. He matched a career-best eight pass breakups and recorded two interceptions with three fumbles. Could he follow Bowen to Big Blue? The Giants are seeking a replacement for Adoree' Jackson opposite Tae Banks.

Kendall Fuller, CB

Fuller would be a bigger swing on the outside to complement Banks. He just turned 29, but is considered one of the more lucrative options on the market with experience in the NFC East.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Giants free agency 2024: 15 targets on defense to pursue