Giants free agents list

[Lughead]

Ralph Vacchiano

 

Giant free for all

 

Feb 26, 2007

 

The free-agent market opens on Friday and the Giants have about $20 million in cap room to spend. That may sound like a lot, but it really isn't. About 20 other teams in the NFL have as much, or more.

 

That means prices could go through the roof for some very ordinary players, which isn't exactly good news for a team with many holes to fill. They'll have to pick their spots for high bidding on big-name players, and hope a few bargains fall into their laps.

 

In order, here are the Giants' five biggest free-agent needs:

 

1. Outside linebacker - Cutting LaVar Arrington and Carlos Emmons left them with an unproven Gerris Wilkinson and an unimpressive Reggie Torbor. They wouldn't mind letting Wilkinson compete for one of the OLB jobs, but they could use a top veteran on the other side. Word at the combine was they've made it clear they intend to join the bidding on Adalius Thomas, the No. 1 guy on the market. Friends of his, though, believe he's going back to the Ravens.

 

The Giants are interested in acquiring Buffalo's Willis McGahee (AP).

2. Cornerback - This was clearly the weakest spot on the team last year, and probably the year before, and probably the year before that. It would be in the Giants' best interests to throw big money at Nate Clements, but he's the only one worth it on the market. A better bet might be Roderick Hood, an old friend of new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo from Philly. He can compete for one of two starting jobs with Corey Webster and Sam Madison, with the loser sliding into the nickel role.

 

3. Running back - They've made it clear they want a second running back to take 15 carries per game from Brandon Jacobs, and a veteran would be preferable. They haven't ruled out acquiring one in the draft or via trade though (GM Jerry Reese has already admitted to having talked with Buffalo about Willis McGahee). The free-agent crop is thin here, with a broken down Ahman Green and a recently arrested Dominic Rhodes the only real options. Neither one of them excited the Giants.

 

4. Center/offensive line - They might still sign center Shaun O'Hara, though talks broke down on Friday when the Giants gave him a take-it-or-leave-it ultimatum. If they don't sign him they'll need another lineman, either a center to take his spot or a guard if Rich Seubert becomes the starting center. With LT Luke Petitgout gone, the line is already thin. If O'Hara leaves, the situation is dire.

 

5. Tight end - Visanthe Shiancoe won't be re-signed, which is fine because he was never much of a blocker and a blocker is what the Giants need to complement Jeremy Shockey. They used Seubert at guard last year in two tight-end formations, but with no line depth they'll need an actual tight end this time around.

[*SDMF*]

Shockey is a better blocker than he gets credit for.

[NeMesiS]

Shockey is a better blocker than he gets credit for.

He is...

 

To me, I would put a priority on the O-line over the RB position. I unstader we neen someone to relieve BJ. but I hope to God its not McGahee.