In one quick offseason the New York Giants have gone from a team few want to play for the one of the league’s hottest destination for free agents.

Much of that is due to their 39-year-old head coach, Joe Judge, who brims with enthusiasm and professionalism. He is the ultimate ‘players’ coach’ and it has reflected in the Giants’ free agent boon here in 2021.

“It’s a destination again,” Giants great Tiki Barber told the New York Post. “The New York Giants are a place people want to come play.

“We’ve gotten enamored with believing players want to be coddled and you need a player’s coach. What these guys actually want is a coach they respect, that they can believe in and they know he’s not one way with some people and another way with other people. It is a testament to coach Judge.”

Judge isn’t the only reason why free agents are flocking to East Rutherford. Players on the current roster are also doing their share of recruiting. Safety Logan Ryan was instrumental in landing cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, who Ryan mentored in Tennessee with the Titans.

“Joe Judge takes the glitz and glamour out of it and brings it back to fundamentals and football and team-first mentality,” Ryan said. “That is refreshing for guys to know they are going to get pushed on the practice field and be pushed to be better players and work together to play winning football. Some guys still believe in getting coached up, like ‘I want to be great and Joe Judge has been a part of great organizations and he seems like a great coach, they have great players over there, I want to play over there.'”

Other veterans were swayed by Judge as well. Tight end Kyle Rudolph, a 10-year veteran, was sold on joining the Giants, turning down a dozen other offers because he believes Judge is special. In addition, wide receiver Kenny Golladay chose Big Blue because Judge gave him vibe as well.

“It’s a different mentality coach Judge has brought,” continued Barber. “He’s so real. It’s refreshing to have that in New York. That’s the biggest change, these guys are excited about where this team is headed.”

Will Judge’s methods and strategy be enough to turn this listing ship around? We shall see, but he’s off to a good start. Remember, Bill Parcells was 3-12-1 in his first season as Giants head coach, so there is hope.