New York Giants sign Jonathan Stewart: Free Agency Grade

New York Giants fans should be excited with Jonathan Stewart coming to balance the offense

Jonathan Stewart may not be Saquon Barkley, but he certainly brings balance to the New York Giants run game. Stewart reunites with Dave Gettleman and Mike Shula from his time in Carolina where he played all 131 games of his professional career.

Stewart doesn’t necessarily rule out the Penn State running back for New York with the number two overall pick, but it spells the possibility the Giants know he won’t be there. Cleveland has been rumored to take Barkley with the number one pick if they feel comfortable with the quarterback that could be available at number four.

New York has looked for a quality running back for years and has taken chances on Wayne Gallman and Paul Perkins in recent drafts. Stewart can give a team 800 rushing yards in a good season, but the Giants will have to bolster their line.

New York lost out on free agent guard Andrew Norwell, who will likely sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Justin Pugh is also a free agent, so expect the Giants to turn their attention towards him. Nate Solder at left tackle might help solidify Eli Manning’s blindspot, but the Giants cap space might be too tight to add him.

This deal fills a need and puts a quality veteran in place for the Giants at what’s likely a reasonable rate. We’ll see how the draft plays out for New York, but Stewart could be a quality stopgap if Barkley is not an option in the first round.