Bobby McCain Looks to Earn Starting Safety Role on Giants

Bobby McCain, Safety

Height: 5-foot-9 | Weight: 196 pounds
2022 Stats: GP 17, GS 16, 76 Tkls, 5 PDs, 1 FF

New York Giants defensive back Bobby McCain spent his first six seasons in Miami playing all over the field in the Dolphins' secondary. He spent time at cornerback and in the slot as a nickel back before finally settling in as a safety. In his final two seasons with the team, he found his most consistent success. Even after a quality 2020 season, McCain needed to find a new home in the NFC East with Washington.

His first season in Washington was the best of his career. He recorded four interceptions in 2021 with the Commanders. He started a career-high 16 games and recorded 63 tackles which was also a career-best.

He earned a second contract with Washington in 2022, but while his tackles increased to 76, he failed to record an interception for the first time since his rookie season in 2015. The writing was on the wall that Washington might decide to go a different way, especially considering that McCain was primarily used at deep safety. That was much different than all of the roles he has played throughout his career.

Best Case Scenario

The best case for the Giants is that McCain, who has a similar skill set to that of Julian Love, can step in and fill the role perfectly that Love vacated during free agency.

He made his way in this league by continuing to plug away and show his versatility, just like Love. He should be able to reignite that versatility he displayed through his time in the NFL before last season when he almost looked bored playing center field.

If that happens, he will be all around the field for the Giants, especially when they employ their dime defense and need guys who can exist at the second level.

Worst Case Scenario

The worst-case scenario is that his lack of playmaking last season was not boredom but a sign that he no longer has that extra step needed to be a playmaker. In that case, he could be limited in what he can do and ultimately does not separate himself from players who are younger and cost less money than he does.

If he does not figure to play a major role, the team could look to move him or cut him altogether. The defensive back room is so crowded with unknowns that if others begin to prove themselves, it could make letting him go even easier.

What to Expect in 2023

It's not hard to imagine that McCain still has juice in the tank--who better to know that than a team that had to play against him four times over the past two seasons? If there is any team that will know how to get the best out of him, it will be the Giants.

Expect to see McCain playing different positions based on the personnel packages. He'll be a third-level safety in base, a second-level safety in their dime packages, and used in blitzes. Even if they play more defensive backs, he should carve out a nice role for himself in 2023 with this team.