Notable Free Agents: Jason Pierre-Paul, Prince Amukamara, Rueben Randle, Larry Donnell, Robert Ayers, Cullen Jenkins, Trumaine McBride, Brandon Meriweather, Jayron Hosley

Primary Candidates for Release or Re-Structure: Victor Cruz, Will Beatty, Jon Beason,

Projected Cap Space: $43M

*Credit to Overthecap.com for the great work they do, and data they provide

The Giants have a ton of work to do this offseason. It could be a rough one, and we suspect the fortunes of the 2016 version of this football team may be entirely on Eli Manning‘s back. Fortunately, New York has significant cap space to work with. But, we must never forget how dangerous free agency can be with this many holes to fill, and that much money to spend. No team that’s ever “won free agency” in the offseason with big-money, high-profile free-agent moves has seemingly ever gone on to do the same in the actual season.

We told you last year, the defensive backfield was in major flux. And, that position is dangerously thin again this year. Add defensive line, linebacker, offensive line, and potentially all offensive skill positions to that list – on top of the JPP mess- and this is shaping up as Jerry Reese’s worst nightmare.

Much like Dallas with Zack Martin and Travis Frederick, the Giants have to consider addressing the contract situations with their core young offensive lineman. Justin Pugh who is in a contract year, and Weston Richburg has two years left on his deal. RT Geoff Schwartz’s roster spot is not entirely safe. They will need to operate with some foresight to preserve the future of the young talent on this unit.

Fantasy players and football fans alike will probably feel like they are living out the movie ‘Groundhog Day’ when the Giants 2016 season kicks off with the same horrible time-share at running back for one more year. This is probably a make-or-break season for Shane Vereen, but he’s likely to be back, while Rashad Jennings and Andre Williams are near-locks to return for one more season at bargain-basement prices. If opportunity meets value in Free Agency or the draft, the team may still look to upgrade the position, but with so many other critical holes to fill, the Giants just cannot afford to make RB a top priority.

On another note, WR Dwayne Harris is not going anywhere – and will likely have to play a significant role on offense this year.