The NFL Combine has begun which means the new league year is within arms reach. The New York Giants could be in for an active offseason when the March 13th date hits.
The Giants have shown that they could be interested in trading Olivier Vernon this offseason. Vernon played his first season in a 3-4 scheme this past season.
After another disappointing season for the Giants, they must fill plenty of needs to improve in the second year of Pat Shurmur's time as head coach.
Landon Collins is also expected to walk in free agency after the Giants reportedly never negotiated with the All-Pro safety. That is huge shoes to fill on the backend of the defense.
With all of the needs that the Giants have, they could elect to make moves via trade.
Here are three potential trade targets for the Giants.
3. Trae Waynes (CB, Minnesota Vikings)
One of the possible players who could be moved this offseason is Trae Waynes of the Minnesota Vikings. Waynes has inconsistent to say the least since being drafted 11th overall in the 2015 NFL Draft.
This is why the Vikings are reportedly making Waynes available at the NFL Combine.
Since 2015, Waynes has six interceptions, 34 pass deflections, and 178 tackles in 39 starts. That's not the sort of production you'd like to see from a former first-round pick.
Waynes is still only 26 years old and is built like a prototypical cornerback in today's NFL. Maybe a change of scenery can bring the most out of Waynes.
The Giants need major help in their secondary—especially with the likely departure of Collins in free agency. Janoris Jenkins headlines the cornerback position but on the other side is B.W. Webb—who struggled in 2018.
Trading for Waynes could be a decent move for the Giants in 2019.
2. Shaq Lawson (DE/OLB, Buffalo Bills)
Arguably the Giants biggest need—besides QB—is finding pass rushers who can consistently get to the quarterback. Shaq Lawson has shown flashes of potential for the Buffalo Bills but not consistently.
The former 19th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft has struggled to continuously showcase his ability to rush the passer. Like Waynes, maybe joining a new team can light a fire under him.
Coming into the NFL, Lawson was regarded as one of the best pass rushers in the NFL Draft. Since 2016, Lawson has 10 sacks, 76 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles.
Those stats aren't anything to get excited about but he's also been stuck in Buffalo.
Lawson is only 24 years old and could help strengthen a weak Giants defensive front.
1. Justin Houston (OLB, Kansas City Chiefs)
Again, one of the biggest needs for the Giants is finding a formidable edge rusher. Justin Houston would be a perfect addition to a Giants defense that lacks leadership and experience.
Houston could reportedly be shopped by the Kansas City Chiefs ahead of the new league year. In 2018, Houston racked up nine sacks, five forced fumbles, 37 tackles, and eight tackles for loss.
The five forced fumbles is actually a career-high for the eight-year veteran. Injuries have slowed Houston down the past few seasons but he is still very capable of being an excellent edge rusher.
With the Giants moving to more of a 3-4 defensive scheme in 2018, Houston fits right in. People forget that Houston is just five years removed from a 22-sack season.
If the Giants want to improve their ability to rush the passer, there are not many better options than trading for Houston this offseason.
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