That's assuming that Baas isn't healthy enough to play, or the Giants are going to release him anyway. They are Ryan Wendell (27, NE), and Brian de la Puente (28, NO).
Personally, I'm hoping that Baas stays for another year, and the Giants draft Colorado State's Weston Richburg to be his eventual replacement.
trying to figure out a reason why Cleveland won't franchise Mack if they can't resign him.
Perhaps I'm missing something
The Browns also have to re-sign TJ Lang who they love. He is younger then Mack. If they can't re-sign Lang before FA starts, he will probably get the tag over Mack.
Probably all moot as Cleveland has enough cap space to get one under contract and franchise the other
I'm surprised that Samuel didn't mention any free agent Guards.
There are four or five that the Giants could target, and who would thrive in our complex zone blocking scheme...yes, Brandon, that was for you. :) Anyway...
Jon Asamoah, Geoff Schwartz, Zane Beadles, John Greco, Mike Pollak...all under 30.
how much money can be wrapped up in centers? Yet, he instantly improves the line.
No more injury prone FAs.
No to Barr at #12, O-Line or Sammy Watkins and then more O-Line.
Agreed! It's value, not just talent. A 1st round pick like Pugh cost less than $2M against the cap in 2014, whereas a former 2nd round FA like Baas cost $8M against the cap in 2014. JR could get an excellent OT with #12 and a top Guard at #43 and pay HALF in cap for both what he would for another FA lineman. And for those who still argue that rookies can't start, and shouldn't start unless there's an injury, isn't that where they are? Chris Snee IR, Baas IR, Diehl done, Beatty broken leg... Pugh was the best lineman they had in 2013, and they need 2 more like him but can't spend $16M in cap more on 2 more FAs.
I think he would be an excellent addition. We're not talking about just improving the position, we're talking about getting one of the top three centers in the game and he's under the age of 30. Maybe Cleveland will franchise him but if not, back a money truck up to his house. Have Shaun O'Hara tell him what life is like playing Center for the Giants vs. the Browns. Get the girl from The Secret World of Alex Mack to give him a BJ. I don't care, just get it done.
Put Mack in the middle, then sign Travelle Wharton to play LG. He's older and that should keep cost down but very effective still. He could hold down the position for a couple of years while the Giants develop someone all while keeping Eli clean and opening up running lanes for the backs. I'd wait until during or after the draft to fill RG.
And I don't see the need to sign a RB to the amount of money Tate will command. Money for the line comes first. Fix that and you can plug a RB in without giving up to much financially.
to be retained and used as backup or compete with a FA center? I know he can play guard as too. With the likelihood of Snee and Diehl retiring and Boothe as the only viable retain-able interior lineman, it might be more financially sound to keep him as a reserve.
position on the line...I always felt it was the center because he organizes the rest of the line, ensures interior pass protection, is required to be the most athletic member of the line on running plays, and relays the blocking assignments from the QB to the rest of the line.
It surprises me that quality centers do not go in the first round of the draft as often as they should
for sure, but I'm thinking we keep him. By doing so they get a major upgrade at interior line as a reserve realizing the cost is high but it might be better than just throwing millions to the wind. By keeping him until 2015, the cap savings will be $5.25 if cut then. Knowing they need to improve the reserves, I'm wondering if the more sensible thing to do is keep him, get him healthy and have a decent backup.
Not only does it spread the cap hit, but cutting him saves the Giants real dollars that they won't have to pay him. He is oft-injured and his play has never measured up to his contract. I would have to imagine that doesn't sit well in the locker room. Cap room. Save money. Get a player out of the training room.
Centers don't usually go in the first because really good prospects at the position just don't come along all that often.
That's why I am so totally pissed off at the NYG FO for not taking one when they had a chance - actually multiple chances to do so with Mack, Wood, and Unger. They haven't used a high draft choice on a Center since Brian Williams, a first rounder back in what seems like pre-historic times.
Signing Baas really wasn't a bad consolation move, but it blew up in their face when he was unable to stay on the field and they really didn't have a good back up.
Boothe was the short term fix, but that robbed them of a starter elsewhere which they didn't want to do, and has been pointed out elsewhere, he didn't play very well at C this year either. He's better at LG.
Cordle was an OFA who hung around mostly due to his 4 position (C, both G, LS) versatility. But after 3 years in the league, he still isn't strong enough. Does that reflect on Jerry Palmieri, the strength and conditioning coach? Maybe, maybe not. But considering all the conditioning injuries they continue to suffer (like hammies) there is reason to question what's going on there, too.
They extended a chance to learn the position to several others including McCants, Goodin, and Bryant Browning, but none of them really panned out at C either.
So now they have a major problem with what I feel is at least the second most important spot on the OL. And there is no Mack, Wood, Unger, or Pouncey to be had in this year's draft. That's only one of many reasons I say the drafting over the last half dozen years has absolutely stunk and the architects of that drafting should take a hike.
his early look at the Giants and 1st round... Looking ahead to NFL draft: Could Big Blue consider Barr, Evans? - ( New Window )
Those were the guys I was looking at. Barr would be long gone and I don't want Evans. I want a burner for our next X not a slower taller WR. The others I would be happy with.
his early look at the Giants and 1st round... Looking ahead to NFL draft: Could Big Blue consider Barr, Evans? - ( New Window )
I haven't watched Barr a lot but one scouting writeup on him said he's basically a one-dimensional player: all pass rush, not good in coverage. If that opinion is widely held, I could see him falling not just to 12 but past the Giants.
I think the Giants will be looking for a stud for the offense at either WR, OT or TE, and will go BPA at one of those positions. I could also see them looking to trade down in the first if they don't think such a stud is there at 12.
he would be cheap and is a clear upgrade over Myers. Unless there is a screaming BPA at CB or DE or WR at 12, going all in this off-season on the O-line can turn this team around pretty quickly,
Andre Brown can get it done at RB (although the fumbles are disconcerting) with a good Oline. The Giants have to be able to PA again next year though...it's one of Manning's biggest strengths and did you notice how glaringly absent it was this season?
I think center is the second most important offensive line position behind left tackle. We have seen what a great center can do for an entire offensive line.
anything to do with Ben Tate or Pettigrew. Neither can stay healthy. Would love Alex Mack, but can't see Cleveland letting him walk. Woild also love Michael Bennett. Pass rushers normally get big contracts which I don't think we can offer. Have no real opinion on Chandler. He is an ok player at best IMO.
Everything I have ever read about Barr says he is a 3-4 OLB that is attrocious in coverage. That does not work well in a 4-3 as we saw with a 2nd round pick (Sintim).
If we could nab Mack and Rashad Jennings I'd be pretty thrilled.
No more injury prone FAs.
No to Barr at #12, O-Line or Sammy Watkins and then more O-Line.
Looking ahead to NFL draft: Could Big Blue consider Barr, Evans? - ( New Window )
Perhaps I'm missing something
Personally, I'm hoping that Baas stays for another year, and the Giants draft Colorado State's Weston Richburg to be his eventual replacement.
Perhaps I'm missing something
The Browns also have to re-sign TJ Lang who they love. He is younger then Mack. If they can't re-sign Lang before FA starts, he will probably get the tag over Mack.
Probably all moot as Cleveland has enough cap space to get one under contract and franchise the other
Jon Asamoah, Geoff Schwartz, Zane Beadles, John Greco, Mike Pollak...all under 30.
No more injury prone FAs.
No to Barr at #12, O-Line or Sammy Watkins and then more O-Line.
Agreed! It's value, not just talent. A 1st round pick like Pugh cost less than $2M against the cap in 2014, whereas a former 2nd round FA like Baas cost $8M against the cap in 2014. JR could get an excellent OT with #12 and a top Guard at #43 and pay HALF in cap for both what he would for another FA lineman. And for those who still argue that rookies can't start, and shouldn't start unless there's an injury, isn't that where they are? Chris Snee IR, Baas IR, Diehl done, Beatty broken leg... Pugh was the best lineman they had in 2013, and they need 2 more like him but can't spend $16M in cap more on 2 more FAs.
Jon Asamoah would be the perfect RG replacement for Snee, who we all assume will either retire or be a cap casualty.
I would draft Weston Richburgh in the 4th or 5th round to be the future Center.
Baas will be a candidate to be cut in 2015 when the dead money goes from 6 mil plus in 2014 to 3.2 mil in 2015.
Put Mack in the middle, then sign Travelle Wharton to play LG. He's older and that should keep cost down but very effective still. He could hold down the position for a couple of years while the Giants develop someone all while keeping Eli clean and opening up running lanes for the backs. I'd wait until during or after the draft to fill RG.
And I don't see the need to sign a RB to the amount of money Tate will command. Money for the line comes first. Fix that and you can plug a RB in without giving up to much financially.
Good news is, as everyone knows: We have a great chance to land a top OT at #12. But we need a few more targets on O as well.
It surprises me that quality centers do not go in the first round of the draft as often as they should
That's why I am so totally pissed off at the NYG FO for not taking one when they had a chance - actually multiple chances to do so with Mack, Wood, and Unger. They haven't used a high draft choice on a Center since Brian Williams, a first rounder back in what seems like pre-historic times.
Signing Baas really wasn't a bad consolation move, but it blew up in their face when he was unable to stay on the field and they really didn't have a good back up.
Boothe was the short term fix, but that robbed them of a starter elsewhere which they didn't want to do, and has been pointed out elsewhere, he didn't play very well at C this year either. He's better at LG.
Cordle was an OFA who hung around mostly due to his 4 position (C, both G, LS) versatility. But after 3 years in the league, he still isn't strong enough. Does that reflect on Jerry Palmieri, the strength and conditioning coach? Maybe, maybe not. But considering all the conditioning injuries they continue to suffer (like hammies) there is reason to question what's going on there, too.
They extended a chance to learn the position to several others including McCants, Goodin, and Bryant Browning, but none of them really panned out at C either.
So now they have a major problem with what I feel is at least the second most important spot on the OL. And there is no Mack, Wood, Unger, or Pouncey to be had in this year's draft. That's only one of many reasons I say the drafting over the last half dozen years has absolutely stunk and the architects of that drafting should take a hike.
Those were the guys I was looking at. Barr would be long gone and I don't want Evans. I want a burner for our next X not a slower taller WR. The others I would be happy with.
I think the Giants will be looking for a stud for the offense at either WR, OT or TE, and will go BPA at one of those positions. I could also see them looking to trade down in the first if they don't think such a stud is there at 12.
Andre Brown can get it done at RB (although the fumbles are disconcerting) with a good Oline. The Giants have to be able to PA again next year though...it's one of Manning's biggest strengths and did you notice how glaringly absent it was this season?
Everything I have ever read about Barr says he is a 3-4 OLB that is attrocious in coverage. That does not work well in a 4-3 as we saw with a 2nd round pick (Sintim).
Yes for the best pass blocking and receiving RB
Mack probably out of Giants league
Tuck is not leaving. Bennett won't come here.