ESPN

Charles Woodson is one of the many veteran free agents still available, and the Giants are always in the market for veterans on the cheap.

Woodson's agent, Carl Poston, told ESPN's Josina Anderson that "The Giants have just put their toe in the water again for Charles Woodson."

If Woodson, 36, is willing to accept an affordable deal, the move makes sense. If healthy, Woodson would be an intriguing piece.

He could instantly be one Perry Fewell's top three safeties. He would provide the kind of veteran voice and leadership that the team had when Deon Grant was roaming around as the third safety. Woodson would immediately add to the leadership in a locker room that lost Ahmad Bradshaw, Chris Canty, Osi Umenyiora, Chase Blackburn, Michael Boley and Kenny Phillips this offseason.

And if he's still playing at a high level, Woodson could challenge Stevie Brown to start opposite Antrel Rolle. He could also provide the team with a veteran who can play corner if needed, be but my guess is he would be a safety and help cover if needed in certain packages or in case of injuries to other corners.

Woodson recently left a visit with the Broncos without a deal, according to the Denver Post. And he also reportedly has the Panthers and Raiders interested in him. So he might have options.

It remains to be seen just how interested the Giants are, but it certainly doesn't hurt to look.

Hightower update: Another veteran free agent the Giants have been interested in is running back Tim Hightower. The Washington Post reports that the Giants and Redskins are interested in Hightower. The Post says that the Giants could meet with Hightower again in a couple of weeks, according to a source.

Hightower tore his ACL in 2011 with the Redskins and attempted a comeback, but was released last year in final cuts. If healthy, Hightower could provide the Giants with a third running back who can catch out of the backfield. At the moment, the Giants have Da'Rel Scott, Ryan Torain and seventh-round pick Michael Cox behind David Wilson and Andre Brown.

Tell us if you want to see the Giants go after Woodson and how you think he might help.

PLAYER: Cooper Taylor
SCHOOL: Richmond
POSITION: Safety
HEIGHT: 6-4
WEIGHT: 228

After stunning everybody and trading up for quarterback Ryan Nassib in the fourth round, the Giants went back to focusing on defense. They took a super-sized safety in the fifth round in Taylor.

The Giants like versatile safeties, and it appears Taylor may be able to play linebacker as well. He is big and quick, and could be another piece defensive coordinator Perry Fewell uses in his three-safety look.

THE 411: Like Houston cornerback D.J. Hayden, Taylor has had a heart issue. While at Georgia Tech in 2009, Taylor was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (abnormal electrical pathways in the heart). He underwent a corrective procedure in Nov. 2009. Taylor eventually transferred to Richmond and played his final two years for the Spiders.

Taylor started 18 games at Richmond and had 141 tackles, 1.5 sacks and five interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown. He had 90 tackles and two interceptions in 20 games at Georgia Tech.

Taylor was clocked at 4.49 in the 40 at Richmond’s pro day. He does have a history of injuries, ranging from his heart condition, to a knee issue in 2011, to a torn pectoral and broken hands suffered in 2012. He still played in 10 games in 2012.

His father, Jim Bob Taylor, was a quarterback for Georgia Tech and the Baltimore Colts.

HOW HE FITS IN: The Giants have a lot of safeties on the roster with Antrel Rolle, Stevie Brown, Will Hill, Ryan Mundy and Tyler Sash. But Taylor also might be able to help at outside linebacker, where the Giants have Jacquian Williams, Keith Rivers and Spencer Paysinger. Perhaps he can be a Deon Grant-type for the defense. With Kenny Phillips gone, the Giants are looking for a versatile safety for the future.

PROJECTED IMPACT: Taylor sounds like the type of guy who projects as the third safety the Giants like to use. A big, quick body who can play hybrid safety/linebacker, cover and tackle. His impact this coming season would likely come on special teams, but he could push Hill, Mundy and Sash as the third safety with an impressive camp. His biggest impact may come in 2014, since Brown is on a one-year tender and Rolle will be entering the final year of his contract.

This is the ninth and final installment in a position-by-position analysis of the Giants as they prepare for the draft:

Position: Secondary.

Depth chart: CB Corey Webster, CB Prince Amukamara, CB Aaron Ross, CB Jayron Hosley, CB Terrell Thomas, S Antrel Rolle, S Stevie Brown, S Will Hill, S Ryan Mundy, S Tyler Sash, CB Antonio Dennard, CB Buddy Jackson, DB Laron Scott, DB David Caldwell, DB Trumaine McBride, DB Terrence Frederick.

The departed: S Kenny Phillips (Philadelphia), CB Justin Tryon (free agent), CB Brian Witherspoon (free agent).

Scouting report: Webster needs a bounce-back season. According to ProFootballFocus.com, Webster’s eight touchdowns surrendered through the air were tied for second-most at his position.

Amukamara was solid last season and continues to look like a player who is steadily improving. Jerry Reese re-signed Ross to provide an experienced third cornerback although Hosley could compete for that spot as well. Thomas is attempting a third comeback from ACL surgery and will work as hard as anyone. But the Giants and Thomas must take things slow and whatever he can contribute should be a bonus.

The Giants let Phillips walk after seeing Brown lead the team with eight interceptions last year. With Phillips gone, Rolle’s status as a leader will increase even more. Reese added another young player with potential by signing Mundy to add depth. Hill flashed glimpses of being the athletic third safety Perry Fewell can use. Sash is a key special teams player and will push Mundy and Hill in camp.

The last time: The Giants drafted a defensive back in Hosley in the third round in 2012.

Potential targets: Since taking over as GM in 2007, Reese has drafted more defensive backs in the first round (Ross, Phillips and Amukamara) than any other position. While the Giants need an offensive lineman like Alabama's D.J. Fluker, it would not be a surprise to see Reese grab a safety at 19 if his top target is gone.

The Giants have a need for a safety in 2014. Phillips is gone, Brown is on a one-year tender and Rolle will be entering the final year of his deal in 2014. Drafting a safety high gives the Giants a safety to groom and insurance in case Brown isn't the answer or Rolle's contract ($7 million base salary for next season) becomes to big a burden on the cap (remember, the Giants want to sign Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz to extensions).

Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro is considered to be the best and the Giants like Vaccaro. The Giants need an offensive lineman but if their target is not there, they could go for Vaccaro. Vaccaro, though, may not not be there at 19. The Giants also like LSU’s Eric Reid. If Reese doesn't think Reid will be there in the second round, he could take the LSU safety in the first round if his other targets are gone.

If the Giants don't get one of those two safeties, Florida’s Matt Elam, FIU’s John Cyprien and South Carolina’s D.J. Swearinger are other safeties that could go in the second round.

Syracuse’s Shamarko Thomas, Fresno State’s Phillip Thomas and Georgia’s Bacarri Rambo could be mid-round options. Other possible safeties for later rounds are USC’s T.J. McDonald, Georgia’s Shawn Williams and Notre Dame’s Zeke Motta. California (Pa.) S Rontez Miles is on the Giants’ radar according to the Newark Star-Ledger.

The Giants definitely need another cornerback for depth and one who could be a potential starter or third corner for 2014 and beyond. Ross and Thomas are on one-year deals and, for all intents and purposes, so is Webster. The top corners are Alabama’s Dee Milliner, Washington’s Desmond Trufant and Houston’s D.J. Hayden. Milliner is not expected to be there at 19 but then again Amukamara dropped to Reese a few years back.

Trufant has reportedly had impressive showings at the combine and his pro day and Hayden’s stock reportedly is on the rise.

Other corners who could be available after 19 are Florida State’s Xavier Rhodes, Boise State’s Jamar Taylor, UConn’s Blidi Wreh-Wilson and Mississippi State’s Johnthan Banks.

If the Giants opt to take a corner in the second-to-fourth-round range, the most intriguing name is LSU’s Tyrann Mathieu. The former Heisman candidate is a risk-reward case but the Giants have a built-in mentor in Webster. And Mathieu could help bolster the Giants’ return game. Another corner that might help with the return game is William and Mary’s B.W. Webb.

"I love B.W. Webb," NFL Network’s Mike Mayock said in a conference call. "Great feet, change of direction, competed at the Senior Bowl. I think what's going to keep him in the late second round discussion is his return skills. It's not a great punt return class, and he's one of the top three or four punt returners in the country."

Mississippi State’s Darius Slay, Southeastern Louisiana’s Robert Alford, Rutgers’ Logan Ryan, UConn’s Dwayne Gratz, USC’s Nickell Robey, Iowa’s Micah Hyde, Miami’s Brandon McGee and Michigan State’s Johnny Adams are other cornerback prospects for later in the draft.

But keep an eye on what the Giants do at safety in this draft and perhaps as early as 19 if an offensive lineman like Fluker is not available.

Need rating (scale of 1 to 10): 9.

At the end of the Giants' failed 2012 title defense, Jerry Reese made it clear that he felt the roster was not "that far off" from contending again.

But the disappointed general manager said his team "will look a little differently" in 2013. As the Giants near next week's draft, Reese's defense will definitely sport a different look.

Osi Umenyiora, Kenny Phillips, Chris Canty, Michael Boley and Chase Blackburn are gone.

Former Eagles Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson are now Giants run-stuffers. Dan Connor is projected to start at middle linebacker and Aaron Ross is back in the secondary.

Despite cap constraints, Reese made a concerted effort to try to fortify a defense that finished 31st overall and 25th against the run last season. That effort will continue next week when Reese will add more defensive players.

When Reese selected running back David Wilson and wide receiver Rueben Randle last year, it was the first time the Giants did not draft a defensive player in the first two rounds since 2004.

It would be a surprise if Reese goes offense again with his first two picks. While the Giants have a need at offensive line and could opt to take a lineman early, Reese can use another pass-rusher.

Umenyiora is gone and Justin Tuck is entering the final year of his deal. And we know how much Reese values his defensive ends and how he has no issue spending a first-round pick on one.

The Giants pick 19th overall and it remains to be seen what the caliber of defensive ends will be when Reese is on the clock.

Ends like BYU's Ezekiel Ansah and LSU's Barkevious Mingo are expected to be long gone. But Florida State's Bjoern Werner and Cornellius Carradine, UCLA's Datone Jones, SMU's Margus Hunt and LSU's Sam Montgomery are among the defensive ends who could go in the first two rounds.

If Reese feels the quality of pass-rushers available at 19 are not that much better than what he might be able to get in the second round, the GM could opt to plug another area at 19.

The Giants are stocked at defensive tackle with Linval Joseph, Jenkins, Patterson, Shaun Rogers, Marvin Austin and Markus Kuhn. But Reese has never been one to shy away from taking the best player available on his board, regardless of position, and the defensive tackle position is considered to be deep in this draft.

But Reese has other areas of concern on defense. The cornerback play was shaky last season and the future at the position remains a concern with Corey Webster, Ross and Terrell Thomas, who is making a third comeback from an ACL injury, all on one-year deals.

So drafting a cornerback, potentially high, to go with young corners Prince Amukamara and Jayron Hosley makes sense for the future. That's why Washington’s Desmond Trufant, who could be available at 19, is intriguing. Houston's D.J. Hayden, Boise State's Jamar Taylor, UConn's Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Florida State's Xavier Rhodes, Mississippi State's Johnthan Banks and Darius Slay all could be options in the first three rounds. And of course, there's LSU's Tyrann Mathieu, who comes with his share of talent and baggage.

The Giants will move forward this season at linebacker without Boley and Blackburn –- two players who helped the Giants win the Super Bowl in 2011 and were valuable extensions of Perry Fewell on the field in the past.

Fans will continue their annual call for Reese to add a stud linebacker early. Georgia's Alec Ogletree and Notre Dame’s Manti Te'o have been linked often by draft prognosticators to the Giants. But the franchise hasn't spent a first-round pick on a linebacker since selecting Carl Banks in 1984. So if the Giants opt to pass on linebacker in the first round, they could look to take one later in the draft.

The Giants seem set at safety for this season with Antrel Rolle, Stevie Brown, Will Hill, Ryan Mundy and Tyler Sash. But Brown is playing this season on a one-year restricted free-agent tender and it is always possible Reese could draft a safety for the future with Phillips gone and Rolle's contract expiring after 2014.

On special teams, the Giants are moving on without Lawrence Tynes after signing kickers Josh Brown, David Buehler and kicker/punter Jake Rogers in the offseason. Punter Steve Weatherford and long-snapper Zak DeOssie return.

The Giants, though, can always use a dynamic punt returner and they could look to add a receiver or cornerback with return skills in the draft with Domenik Hixon gone. A returner on kickoffs also makes sense since Wilson's workload at running back will increase.

Tell us how you feel about the defense and special teams entering the draft.

Jerry Reese and his staff have managed to accomplish most of their goals in free agency while successfully managing the salary cap.

NFL.com released updated salary cap numbers for each team and the Giants are $4,580,958 under the cap as of March 26.

The Giants have managed to clear cap space by getting Corey Webster and David Diehl to agree to pay cuts while signing veterans like Kevin Boothe, Keith Rivers, Brandon Myers and Dan Connor to cheap deals. The Giants still need cap space to try and lock down Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks to long-term deals and to sign their draft picks in April.

The three biggest base salary numbers on the roster now belong to Eli Manning ($13 million), Antrel Rolle ($7 million) and Chris Snee ($6.7 million).

Check out where the Giants stand so far cap-wise according to the NFL:

Current contracts: 47
Previous year carryover: $1,000,000
Adjustments: $91,284
Adjusted cap: $124,091,284
Team cap: $119,510,326
Cap room: $4,580,958

So, what do you think of the job Reese and his staff have done so far managing the cap in free agency?

It's that time of the year when the Giants travel all around the country to attend pro days and scout college prospects.

Today, GM Jerry Reese is at LSU's pro day, according to my man Mike Triplett, who covers the Saints for the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

The Giants like their LSU guys, as Reese has drafted two Tigers high in his past three drafts, taking wide receiver Rueben Randle in the second round last year and safety Chad Jones in the third round in 2010.

The Giants also drafted cornerback Corey Webster in the second round in 2005 and had former LSU quarterback Ryan Perrilloux floating on and off their practice squad in 2011 and in camp last year.

Thomas McGaughey, LSU's special teams coordinator, also was an assistant on Tom Coughlin's staff.

So let's take a look at who the Giants could have an eye on at LSU's pro day:

DE/LB Barkevious Mingo: Expected to be gone by the time the Giants pick at 19.

DE Sam Montgomery: Scouts Inc. has Montgomery rated as the 30th-best prospect, so perhaps a second-round consideration if he's there for the Giants that late.

LB Kevin Minter: Mel Kiper has Minter rated as the fourth-best inside linebacker.

S Eric Reid: Giants like Reid and can use a safety for the future with Antrel Rolle under contract for only two more years and Stevie Brown with the team on a one-year RFA tender.

DT Bennie Logan: Rated the 11th-best defensive tackle by Scouts Inc.

CB Tyrann Mathieu: Intriguing talent, but this risk-reward comes with baggage. Giants do have a veteran locker room and Webster to mentor Mathieu.

Tell us which Tiger you are hoping the Giants are looking hard at below.

Kenny Phillips admits "it's weird" being on the other side of a bitter NFC East rivalry.

And he is going to "have to learn to hate" the Giants. Phillips left the Giants for the Eagles on Thursday for a one-year deal.

"I just knew I didn't like the Eagles," Phillips said at his introductory news conference on Friday, according to CSNPhilly.com. "You're playing against them for so long, that's what you were taught as a Giant. Just like the Eagles were taught, you don't like the Giants. That's just how it goes.

"It's weird. It's definitely weird," he added. "But at this point I can't say I hate the Giants. When I was with the Giants I kind of disliked the Eagles. But I can't just say right now I hate the Giants. I guess I'll have to learn to hate them."

Phillips, 26, was drafted by the Giants in the first round in 2008. He underwent microfracture surgery on his knee in 2009 and has been trying to regain the explosive playmaking abilities he had prior to the surgery.

The Giants, who are limited by their salary cap, let Phillips walk in free agency with bigger priorities, like free agent left guard Kevin Boothe, still unsigned.

The Giants have Antrel Rolle, Stevie Brown (a restricted free agent who was tendered a second-round RFA tender), Will Hill, newly signed Ryan Mundy and Tyler Sash at safety.

"Just basically a new start," Phillips said when asked why he left New York for Philadelphia. "I'm thankful that the Giants drafted me. I won a Super Bowl with the team, had some great friendships and they're a great organization.

"But it's just time for a new start," he continued. "I looked at the season (the Eagles} had last year, and I heard a lot of good things about (them) before I signed. And they're bringing in guys to make this team better, and I just want to be a part of it."

So now Phillips has the next several months to try to develop some hatred for his old team.

One thing he hopes to show this coming season is that his knee is healthy.

"It feels good," said Phillips, who also missed nine games last season with an MCL injury. "Since the season ended, I’ve been rehabbing five days a week and continue to get strong.

"I took my physical (Friday), and the doctors liked what they saw," he added. "If they didn't, I wouldn't be sitting here. I'm 100 percent right now, and I'm just ready to get back to work."

Connor visit: CSNPhilly.com also reported that linebacker Dan Connor will visit with the Giants.

Connor started eight games in 2012 for the Cowboys and had 56 tackles. He played in Carolina from 2008-11 and has a total of 212 tackles in five seasons.

The Giants are in the market for linebackers with middle linebacker Chase Blackburn a free agent.

While Kenny Phillips was working on a new deal with the Eagles, the Giants were finalizing a contract with his potential replacement -- Ryan Mundy.


The Giants announced the signing of the Steelers' free agent safety on Thursday afternoon. Mundy will come in and have an immediate opportunity to compete to become Perry Fewell's third safety behind Antrel Rolle and Stevie Brown.

Mundy, 28, can play both safety positions and he fits the bill of what the Giants typically do in free agency -- he's a young cheap player who is a bit unproven and is waiting for a bigger opportunity. The Giants, limited by their salary cap situation, weren't going to give Phillips the money he was searching for.

Instead, the Giants will try to create as much competition as they can. The Giants have Rolle, Brown, Mundy, Will Hill and Tyler Sash at safety. Hill showed flashes of his athleticism and speed this past season and could continue to ascend. And then there's Terrell Thomas, who is making his way back from a third ACL injury and might be an option at safety in order to prolong his career.

The 6-foot-1, 209-pound Mundy has five career starts and has played in four playoff games with a start in the 2011 AFC Wild Card Game against Denver. He has 79 tackles and one interception in his career. He also has special teams experience. Last season, he had a career-high 27 tackles and a fumble recovery.

Well? What do you guys think of the Mundy signing after losing KP?

The odds of Kenny Phillips returning to play for the Giants this year was never good to begin with.

But it certainly doesn't make Phillips' departure as a free agent easier to swallow knowing that he left to sign a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. This one won't sit well with Giants fans, who love Phillips. After all, remember the outrage and outcry when Steve Smith signed with the Eagles a few years ago?

That circumstance was different, though. The Giants actually wanted Smith back more than Phillips. And Smith was still trying to come back from serious knee surgery and, as it turns out, he never fully recovered with the Eagles. Letting Smith walk to Philadelphia turned out to be a wise move by Jerry Reese.

A few years later, the Eagles are taking another chance on a Giant who comes with knee issues. Phillips has never quite been the same explosive player since he needed microfracture surgery on his left knee in 2009. He's still athletic and can make plays as a deep safety but he was slowed last season by a right MCL injury that helped keep him out of nine games. The Giants know as good as anybody how Phillips' knees are.

What helps ease the blow of losing Phillips is the fact that Stevie Brown emerged during Phillips' absence last year as a playmaking safety who had eight interceptions.

The Giants are limited by their cap situation and they were not going to spend a significant amount to bring Phillips back with the emergence of Brown. The Giants tendered Brown, a restricted free agent, a second-round RFA tender. That means that the Giants have the right of first refusal if a team offers Brown a contract. The Giants can match and if they opt not to, they will receive a second-round pick in return.

If Phillips had returned to the Giants, Perry Fewell likely would have used a three-safety look with Antrel Rolle, Brown and Phillips. Now with Phillips gone, the team announced they have signed Ryan Mundy as a replacement for Phillips.

The Giants also still have Will Hill and Tyler Sash as backup safeties as well. The Giants want as much competition as possible and they now have quite a bit at safety.

Losing Phillips and his athleticism, not to mention his strong chemistry with Rolle and the defense, to Philadelphia stings. Also, even if Phillips isn't quite the same player he used to be before his knee surgery, the Giants more often than not were successful when he was healthy and in the lineup.

The team's 2008 first-round pick will certainly be motivated to show that he still can play like he did before his knee injury. But Giants fans can take some comfort in knowing when players have left in free agency in recent years, they haven't experienced a ton of success away from the Giants.

And the bottom line is that the Giants' financial bottom line always dictates how they go about their business. The Giants' way is to keep their core together and surround their stars with affordable pieces, preferably with upside. And that means, from time to time, a player like Phillips becomes a little too pricey and ultimately expendable.

Tell us what you think of Phillips going to Philadelphia.

The Giants will have Pittsburgh safety Ryan Mundy in for a visit.

A source confirmed Mundy was on his way to New Jersey to meet with the Giants, which was reported earlier by the New York Daily News. The Giants could lose Kenny Phillips in free agency and they may need a third safety to team up with Antrel Rolle and Stevie Brown, who was given a second-round RFA tender.

Mundy, 28, had a career-high 39 tackles in 16 games last season, starting three of those games. In his four seasons with the Steelers, he has 130 career tackles and one interception in five career starts.

The Giants had Minnesota free-agent linebacker Jasper Brinkley in for a visit on Wednesday. According to USA Today, Brinkley is going to visit with the Cardinals next.

The Giants are looking to strengthen a defense that finished 31st in total defense last season. Mundy fits the profile of what the Giants typically look for in free agency -- a young, potentially cheap free agent who could flourish with a bigger opportunity.

Phillips may leave in free agency for more money than the Giants are willing to offer the veteran. The Giants also have Will Hill and Tyler Sash at safety as well.

Teams can begin negotiating with the agents of free agents tonight at midnight.

The Giants reportedly have around $10 million in cap space thus far. They still could create more room if they restructure more deals or cut other players. The Giants will focus on re-signing many of their own free agents and restricted free agents. Remember, the Giants want to be responsible with their salary cap, try to sign young stars like Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz to long-term deals and see what some of their young unproven players on the roster can do with opportunities.

Keep that in mind as we take a look at some free agent names that are available at positions of need for the Giants.

CORNERBACK

Corey Webster agreed to a pay cut and reduced his base salary from $7 million to $1.25 million for this coming season according to the NFLPA website. Webster struggled last year but the Giants don't have much depth or experience after Prince Amukamara and Jayron Hosley. Terrell Thomas is attempting to return from a third ACL injury. That is why the Giants need to add some corners. According to ESPN's free agent tracker and grading, Chris Gamble, Antoine Cason, Brent Grimes, Quentin Jammer, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Aqib Talib, Sean Smith, Adam Jones and Tracy Porter are among some of the top corners available. Gamble is intriguing. But considering their cap space and how they want to re-sign their own free agents like Kevin Boothe and Martellus Bennett, the Giants might be more in the market for backup cornerbacks for depth unless they can get somebody good at a reasonable price. Former Giant Aaron Ross was also released by Jacksonville on Friday.

TIGHT END

What happens if the Giants can't re-sign Bennett? It's hard imagining the Giants investing a lot of money in the tight end position since they have filled that spot with Kevin Boss, Jake Ballard and Bennett in the past few seasons. The Giants probably wouldn't spend the money to land a free agent like Jared Cook. But there are some intriguing tight end names out there if Bennett bolts. Dustin Keller, Delanie Walker, Anthony Fasano, Boss and Brandon Myers are among the free agents. Remember, the Giants likely won't spend a lot on a tight end and they would ideally want a guy on the rise, one who can block and catch. That's why re-signing Bennett within a reasonable price is important.

DEFENSIVE END

The Giants can use another pass rusher since Osi Umenyiora is a free agent and will be looking to test the market. Free agent defensive ends include Cliff Avril, Dwight Freeney, Michael Bennett, Glenn Dorsey, John Abraham, Matt Shaughnessy, Ty Warren and Israel Idonije. The Giants could add a veteran pass rusher at a reasonable cost but it probably makes more sense to draft one in April.

LINEBACKER

This is another position where the Giants might not invest a ton of money into. Rey Maualuga, Nick Barnett, Daryl Smith, Paul Kruger and Larry Foote are among the free agent linebackers. The Giants could sign a cheap veteran and/or just bring back their own free agent linebackers -- Chase Blackburn and Keith Rivers -- at a low cost. Drafting a linebacker is a possibility.

SAFETY

The Giants are expected to tender RFA Stevie Brown. Kenny Phillips is a free agent and the Giants likely would want him back for the right price. If Phillips moves on, the Giants may feel the need to add one more veteran safety to join Antrel Rolle and Brown with youngsters Will Hill and Tyler Sash behind them. ESPN's Josina Anderson reported that the Giants expressed interest in Charles Woodson. The safety free agent market is deep with names like Ed Reed, Adrian Wilson, Woodson, LaRon Landry and Dawan Landry out there. The Giants already have a lot of money tied into Rolle so it might not make sense to pay big bucks long term for another safety.

OFFENSIVE LINE

If Boothe signs elsewhere, the Giants will need a guard or tackle even if they opt to start James Brewer and/or David Diehl at left guard and right tackle. This is one of the areas that the Giants would invest money in but likely nothing outrageous after investing up to $38.75 million in Will Beatty. Free agents include Jake Long, Phil Loadholt, Sebastian Vollmer, Eric Winston, Andre Smith, Jammal Brown, Gosder Cherilus, Andy Levitre, Ramon Foster, and Kory Lichtensteiger among others. A young guy with potential like Donald Thomas might make sense if Boothe leaves. The Giants also might try to add some veterans at a low price like they did with Sean Locklear last season and they could draft a lineman in April as well.

We’ve been taking a look toward 2013 with a position-by-position breakdown of the Giants leading into the scouting combine and free agency.

So far, we have analyzed quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, offensive line, defensive line and linebacker. Today is the secondary.

SECONDARY

2012 depth chart: CB Corey Webster, CB Prince Amukamara, CB Jayron Hosley, CB Justin Tryon, CB Terrence Frederick, S Antrel Rolle, S Kenny Phillips, S Stevie Brown, S Will Hill, S Tyler Sash.

Overview: The Giants lost cornerbacks Terrell Thomas, Bruce Johnson and Brian Witherspoon to injuries before the season started. Michael Coe also was placed on IR and later waived during the season. Webster, the team’s top corner on the depth chart, got off to a slow start in the season opener against Dallas, and his struggles continued throughout the season all the way through an incredibly difficult game at Baltimore, where he was targeted often. Webster battled through a broken hand early in the season, but he never was able to shake off his struggles in coverage. Amukamara was solid in his first season as a starter and performed like the team’s best corner. Hosley, the team’s third-round pick, was pushed into action quicker than expected and had his ups and downs. Rolle had 96 combined tackles and two interceptions. Rolle covered slot receivers again at times this season due to injuries. Phillips only played in seven games, as he was slowed by a knee injury. That allowed Brown to emerge as one of the biggest surprises of the season. Originally kept on the team as a backup and special teams contributor, Brown led the team with eight interceptions for 307 yards and became a starter. Hill showed flashes of his athleticism in stints as the team’s third safety.

Free agents: Phillips, Brown (restricted free agent), Tryon.

2013 personnel preview: Much of the 2013 outlook will be impacted by Webster’s future. The Giants hope Amukamara will continue to ascend and play like their top corner this coming season. Hosley got valuable experience as a rookie but might not be ready to start full-time on the outside. He might be best suited for now as a slot corner or an extra cornerback while he continues to progress. The Giants need more speed, athleticism, experience and depth at cornerback. The Giants could sign some free agent corners and possibly draft one as well. It remains to be seen what will happen with Phillips but Brown, who is expected to return, could be the starter opposite Rolle at safety. The Giants could bring Phillips back and have three starting safeties, but it would likely have to be at the right price since they need to re-sign free agents like Will Beatty, Kevin Boothe and Martellus Bennett. The Giants came to a new one-year deal with Thomas, who will be attempting a third comeback from a right ACL injury. If Thomas can make his way back onto the field, that would be a bonus regardless of whether he plays cornerback or safety. The Giants should and likely will take it slow with Thomas. Hill and Sash could fill the third safety spot.

Salary cap situation: Webster is entering the final year of his contract worth $7 million in base salary. Considering how the Giants have been slashing payroll to create cap space, Webster has been a name mentioned often as a potential cap casualty or as a candidate to restructure a new deal. The Giants, though, don’t have enough depth at corner at the moment and releasing Webster would leave an even bigger hole. The Giants, though, will need money to sign or draft more corners. Rolle isn’t expected to go anywhere, but he could be a potential candidate to restructure with $7 million in base salary coming this season. Phillips is a free agent and Brown will be a restricted free agent. The Giants are expected to tender Brown if a new deal is not agreed upon.

Tell us what you think of the Giants’ secondary going into 2013 and what you want to see happen in the offseason.

Cornerback Terrell Thomas will be back with the Giants after signing a new one-year deal according to sources.

Thomas is attempting his third comeback from a right ACL knee injury. The cornerback had a $6 million option in his contract in March and the Giants were going to avoid that option after Thomas re-injured his ACL during training camp last year. So this move should alleviate more cap space for the Giants, who released Michael Boley, Ahmad Bradshaw and Chris Canty last week in cap-clearing moves.

"It’s been a long two years," Thomas said in a statement released by the Giants. "It’s definitely been a test of my will. But it’s made me a stronger person. It showed me a lot of things about myself that I needed to fix and at the same time it showed me how strong I was. It’s been a tough time for me and my family and especially beating myself up. But God has seen me through. What doesn’t kill you will make you stronger. I believe there’s a bigger plan for me. I’m hoping He will show me and I’m riding it out right now.

"I’m on a real high right now. Since I moved to Pensacola to train I’ve been a whole lot better mentally and physically. I’m real happy right now re-signing with the Giants and getting a chance to be with my teammates and get another opportunity to play football again. It’s been two years -- it’s been a very long time. I’m excited to get ready for offseason training to be with the guys in the film room, the meetings - all that stuff I missed."

Thomas tweeted a picture of his helmet on Monday asking to guess who’s back. He was slated to start opposite Corey Webster in training camp last season as he was returning from a torn ACL suffered during the preseason in 2011. But he suffered another setback that required surgery. He hasn't played in a regular season game since the end of the 2010 season.

The questions surrounding Thomas now are how effective will the 28-year-old cornerback be making a third comeback and will he be coming back as a cornerback or safety? General manager Jerry Reese brought up the notion shortly after the Giants’ season ended about a potential position change for Thomas, citing that safety might help with Thomas' knee and possibly prolong his career.

"I can’t speak on that right now,” Thomas said of whether he will be able to step onto the field without thinking about his surgically repaired knee. “But I imagine I will be a little hesitant at first. But that’s what practice is for. Hopefully, they’ll give me enough opportunities to get out there and practice and get my knee in shape to feel confidence and trust in it. Last year, I definitely felt confident in my knee. What happened, I couldn’t tell you to this day. It just wasn’t meant to be. But I definitely did everything possible to get ready and that’s my game plan again."

And as for a possible position change, Thomas said he has an open mind.

"At this point, I don’t care if they move me to kicker," Thomas said. "I just want to play football."

The Giants currently have starter Antrel Rolle and backups Will Hill and Tyler Sash at safety. Stevie Brown is a restricted free agent and Kenny Phillips is an unrestricted free agent. Webster is entering the final year of his contract and the team also has Prince Amukamara and Jayron Hosley at cornerback.

Thomas, who first tore his right ACL while at USC, recently began jogging outside a pool earlier this month. He rehabbed extremely hard last year and is ready to grind through yet another comeback attempt.

"My knee feels great,” Thomas said. “It was a little struggle at first. It was a little inconsistent with the swelling. But for the last month-and-a half I haven’t dealt with any swelling at all. It’s progressed the last two weeks since I started running. The doctors are really happy with the way I’m progressing. They had to increase my workload because it wasn’t enough."

So, tell us what you think of Thomas returning and do you want to see him play corner or safety?

The Giants began the process of slicing payroll and moving in a different direction on Tuesday when they released veteran linebacker Michael Boley.

Boley was due $4.25 million in base salary in the final year of his deal. The Giants are projected to be $4.7 million over the salary cap according to ESPN's John Clayton. But remember, the Giants also have to clear cap space for their upcoming draft picks and carve out space for money they will potentially invest in restricted free agents like Victor Cruz, Stevie Brown and Andre Brown.

And the Giants have several free agents such as Will Beatty, Osi Umenyiora, Kevin Boothe, Kenny Phillips and Martellus Bennett.

Boley was released because of his cap number, but also the team appears ready to move on with young linebackers like Jacquian Williams and perhaps Spencer Paysinger will be in line for a bigger role as well. Boley saw his snaps reduced at the end of the season. With Chase Blackburn and Keith Rivers both free agents, the Giants have Mathias Kiwanuka (who could potentially move to defensive end), Williams, Mark Herzlich and Paysinger at linebacker. They could bring back Rivers and Blackburn and perhaps sign another linebacker or draft one.

Boley, though, very well could be the first of some longtime familiar faces to be impacted by the Giants' salary cap situation. Last month, we took a look at some candidates who could be released or asked to restructure their deals and Boley was one of them.

Here's a look again at some candidates who could follow Boley:

• RT David Diehl: The veteran, who has helped the team win two Super Bowls, will make $4.4 million in base salary in the final year of his deal. The Giants have to re-sign Beatty and Boothe. The Giants like Diehl's versatility to play tackle and guard but they may feel T James Brewer's time is now.

• CB Corey Webster: Struggled this past season and is entering final year of deal worth $7 million in base salary. The Giants, though, really only have Prince Amukamara and Jayron Hosley at corner after Webster. The Giants have a $6 million option on Terrell Thomas' contract in March, so they are expected to get out of that contract but could re-sign Thomas to a new short-term, low-risk deal later.

• DT Chris Canty: Veteran is due $6.25 million this coming season and $6.5 next season in base salary. He told reporters on Tuesday night at a charity even that he has not been approached yet by the team about his contract or possibly restructuring.

• RB Ahmad Bradshaw: Recently underwent surgery to replace a screw in his troublesome right foot. Tom Coughlin likes to have three running backs and loves Bradshaw, who will make $3.75 in base salary.

• DE Justin Tuck: Reese and Coughlin said he’s likely returning for final year, worth $4.5 million in base salary. He's expected back.

Other Giants veterans who aren’t going anywhere but will make a sizeable amount in 2013 include RG Chris Snee ($6.7 million), S Antrel Rolle ($7 million), C David Baas (4.25 million) and QB Eli Manning ($13 million).

A year ago, the Giants were preparing to play in the Super Bowl and going through everything the Ravens and 49ers are experiencing this week.

So with it being Super Bowl week, we are exploring five things the Giants need to do to get back to the Super Bowl next year. So far, we’ve explored how the Giants have to fortify their offensive line and how they should add more speed to combat the option and prolific offenses.

Today, we look at how the Giants must fix their defense.

The numbers: The Giants finished 31st in total defense, 28th against the pass and 25th against the run. They did finish 13th overall in points allowed (21.5).

The defense also allowed 48 plays of 25 yards or longer against them this past season.

The breakdown: The Giants defense had its moments when it came up big like it did in victories over Carolina, San Francisco and Green Bay.

But the defense couldn’t finish strong in close losses to the Eagles, Steelers and Redskins. And Perry Fewell’s unit was routed by the Bengals, Falcons and Ravens -- the latter two losses costing the Giants a playoff spot.

Fewell had some veterans who did not play up to the level that they did during the Super Bowl run, such as cornerback Corey Webster. The Giants struggled to stop the run in 2011, but got better when it mattered during their postseason run. This season, the Giants struggled to stop the run and couldn’t get enough pressure on quarterbacks.

The Giants’ sack numbers dipped from 48 to 33 last season. The Giants were a plus-14 in turnovers, however.

After his breakout season, Jason Pierre-Paul finished with just 6.5 sacks. Osi Umenyiora had six sacks and Justin Tuck had just four sacks.

With Umenyiora wanting more money and a starting spot likely elsewhere and Tuck entering the final year of his deal, the Giants can use another pass rusher and could draft one in April.

They’ll need Chris Canty to get his knee healthier. And they can use another defensive tackle to emerge to help Linval Joseph and Canty. Marvin Austin awaits his opportunity and Markus Kuhn showed flashes before he suffered a season-ending knee injury.

The linebackers unit could see change in the offseason. Chase Blackburn and Keith Rivers are unrestricted free agents. And Michael Boley, who saw his snaps reduced toward the end of the season, is entering the final year of his deal.

The Giants have to add more depth in the secondary at corner where they suffered season-ending injuries to Terrell Thomas, Bruce Johnson and Brian Witherspoon early. They need Webster, who is entering the final year of his deal, to bounce back. Prince Amukamara was solid when healthy and Jayron Hosley gained some valuable experience in his rookie season.

Antrel Rolle remains a key cog in the defense and Stevie Brown emerged as a potential starter in 2013 with Kenny Phillips entering free agency. Will Hill also showed glimpses of what he can do.

The Giants still need to add speed, depth and more athleticism to the defense all around. And they have to simply play better.

This is the same defense and same defensive coordinator that won a Super Bowl just one year ago. And if the defense had played better late in any of the losses to the Redskins, Steelers or Eagles, the Giants would've been playoff bound. If they had shown up in Baltimore or Atlanta, the Giants might've been able get into the postseason as well.

If the Giants are going to get back to the Super Bowl, they need Fewell and his players to regain that all-in mentality, steady and clutch play that they had when they won their final six games last year. And they need to add a few more pieces to a core that knows what it takes to get to the Super Bowl.

Tell us what you think needs to improve on defense for the Giants to return to the Super Bowl.