Coaching/GM/Management:
-Mara/Tisch: Need to initiate a full scale investigation into the injury problem. Yes it is a problem and it's the primary problem.
--Research strength and conditioning programs. Find out what works and what doesn't. Adapt accordingly and immediately.
-Reese: I'm not happy with him but it's true that drafting players is a collective effort. Giants not likely to fire him. I doubt he's replaced.
--Offensive drafting has been fairly good IMHO. The OL has 3 recent good picks (Flower, Pugh, Richburg). This makes sense when you consider Coughlin is an offensive mind and part of the team that picks the players. That said about offense, their defensive picks are not good. When did they get so bad at scouting defensive talent? Close this loop. Find scouts that can assess defensive talent better ASAP.
-Coughlin: Stay the course with Coughlin one more year. Nobody needs to know it's his final year. This is not fear of the unknown. If anything, it's fear of the known. Better yet I'm playing the odds. It's similar to QBs. It's very rare to go from one great QB/Coach to another. Usually when that is successful it's from moving on to another QB/Coach that's already in house. I don't either McAdoo or Spags is ready. Yes I think Coughlin is starting to show his age but a reduced Coughlin still looksbetter to me than anything else available out there right now.
--Reduce some of Coughlin's responsibilities. He's a tremendous leader. A motivator. A mentor. His players love him. The play hard for him. Coughlin needs to let his coordinators handle their jobs and mentor them, not direct them. Retire after the 2016 season and hopefully a successor will be ready or a better option comes up.
Hopefully he goes out at least making the playoffs. I believe it's very possible with the current state of the division.
--I will add I doubt they keep him. I think Coughlin will take the fall for a terrible injury filled roster.
Cap:
-Giants expected to be approximately $50 million over next year after cutting Beason, cap increase, etc.
-According to Overthecap.com:
--Currently show $37,382,100 for 2016
--There is $11,433,300 they can carry over from this year
--They can save $5,100,000 by cutting Beason
--They can save $486,600 by cutting Williams (Not a west coast offense RB. Give him a chance to catch on elsewhere)
-This brings the total next year to $53,915,400
--WAIT! We should go ahead and subtract the amount for draft picks under an estimate now; Let's say $7 Million
***New total is approximately; $46,915,400***
-Optional Cuts that I don't think will happen but could. Some could be re-structured. I'll press on as is for now.
--They can save $1,200,000 by cutting Herzlich. Is his ST contribution and backup LB option enough to justify that money?
--They can save $1,475,000 by cutting J.T. Thomas but $2,525,000 in dead money. A lot of dead money but he hardly played due to injury.
--They can save $1,833,332 by cutting Casillas but $1,333,334 in dead money. A lot of dead money but he hardly played due to injury.
--They can save $4,175,000 by cutting Beatty but $5,000,000 in dead money is too much. Why hurt the OL? His injuries do not seem chronic.
--They can save $2,991,666 by cutting Schwartz but $1,916,667 in dead money. Re-assess after June 1st. See what Hart has first.
--They can save $6,100,000 by cutting Cruz but $3,800,000 in dead money. I think they re-assess him and make a decision after June 1st.
---------FA Signing Options-----------
RB: I'd go Lamar Miller or James Starks
1. Lamar Miller, Dolphins: 5 years, $25 -$27 million. Can do it all very well. Can be a bell cow. Clean injury history. Miami in cap hell.
2. James Starks, Packers: 2 years, $2-2.5 million. Same player as Jennings. Together with jennings maybe one can survive the season.
3. Matt Forte, Bears: 3 years, $11.5-$13.5 million. Older player which is against what they've been doing recently.
4. Doug Martin, Buccs: 3 years, $15-16 million. He has an injury history. Major red flag!
*Bring back both Darkwa for three year veteran minimum salary due to ERFA rules.
*Remember we cut Williams as he's not a west coast back. Give him a chance to excel somewhere else.
*** New Estimate: $41,915,400 if they sign Lamar Miller ***
TE: Hopefull for Dwayne Allen plus Tye & Donnel
1. Dwayne Allen, Colts: 2 years, $2-2.5 million. I don't think the Colts keep him & Freeney. The Giants offer more money than Colts and the #1 TE spot.
2. Ben Watson, Saints: 1 year, $1.6 to $2 million. Had a good season filling in for Graham. Not sure what Saints are doing. Not sure about his blocking.
3. Coby Fleener, Colts: 4 years, $19-$23 million. Better receiver than Allen. An ok blocker. Doubt Lions let him go.
*Bring back both Tye & Donnell for three year veteran minimum salary due to ERFA rules
*** New Estimate: $39,915,400 if they sign Dwayne Allen ***
WR: Rishard Matthewes most likely candidate.
-Alshon Jeffrey, Bears: This is a dream IMHO. Bears won't let him go and he would price closer to a #1.
1. Rishard Matthews, Dolphins: 4 years, $17-$18 million. Phins in cap hell next year. Most likely to be available and good skillset.
2. Jermaine Kearse, Seahawks: 3 years, $9-$10.5 million. Clean injury history. Tough guy. Likely to be retained by Seattle.
3. Travis Benjamin, Browns: 3 years, $15 -$18 million. More of a slot receiver but do we count on Cruz? Likely to be retained
4. Marvin Jones, Bengals: 4 years, $16-$17.5 million. A possible longer term solution if Bengals let him go.
5. Mohamed Sanu, Bengals: 3 years, $9-$10.5 million. I'm not high on him but some here are so here you go.
6. Reuben Randle, Giants: 1 year, $2.5 - $3 million. Injury history. Lazy routes. He'll be offered something better elsewhere. Goodbye.
*Hakeem Nicks, Giants: $745,000, 1 more year to see what he can do after he knows the system.
*Victor Cruz, Giants: Evaluate up to June. Offer a restructure if he's diminished at all. Post June 1st cut is the bargaining chip.
*** New Estimate: $35,415,400 if they sign Rishard Matthews ***
OL: I'm not as down as most on the OL. I think we are good with Beatty coming back and a blocking TE to help.
-Let it ride. That's right. Beatty/Flowers (LT) - Pugh (LG) - Richburg (C) - Schwartz/Hart (RG) - Flowers/Beatty (RT)
--Newhouse reserve RT. He's a decent backup IMHO. I hope nobody is expecting more from a backup.
--Beatty takes back his LT spot unless he's good at RT. They will try to reduce Beatty's salary but he won't do it.
--May have to find a backup guard if they release Schwartz but should get equal value regardless.
*** Existing Estimate: $35,415,400 / No Change ***
DE: A few potential targets. Need to spend a high draft pick here. (Low 15 million, high 19 million for next year)
-Try to resign Jason Pierre-Paul, Giants: 1 year, $8-9 million. Someone may offer more.
-Try to resign Robert Ayers, Giants: 2 years, $1.5-$2 million.
-Von Miller, Broncos: 5 years, $80-$85 million. I seriously doubt Broncos let him walk. If they do, will Giants break the bank for him?
-Muhammad Wilkerson, Jets: 5 years, $73-$79 million. I seriously doubt Jets let him walk. If they do, will Giants break the bank for him?
1. Olivier Vernon, Dolphins: 4 years, $20-$24 million. Had a down year but great potential. Miami in cap hell helps the cause.
2. Mike Daniels, Packers: 4 years, $25-$29 million. Doubt he leaves the Packers though.
3. Malik Jackson, Broncos: 5 years, $36-$40 million. Unfortunately a 3-4 DE but I think he could switch. Broncos will be concerned with Von Miller.
4. High draft pick (1st or 2nd round) as I think the cupboard is somewhat bare in Free Agency.
*** New Estimate: $20,415,400 after signing JPP (Cheaper if Daniels or Jackson), Ayers, and Olivier Vernon ***
DT: None really stand out to me. Need to spend a high draft pick here. (I don't see a new signing here other than draft pick)
-I like Hankins and I think Bromley takes a step forward next year. Resign Cullen Jenkins.
*-See Malik Jackson from the DE category. He can make the switch to either DE or Tackle.
1. High draft pick (1st or 2nd round).
-Sign a solid player AFTER the draft. A decent one should still be available.
*** New Estimate: $18,915,400 after re-signing Jenkins ***
MLB: Missing a good QB for the defense. I think we are stuck with Brinkley, Herzlich, and Unga
-Giants are screwed!!!
-Open to suggestions
-Draft
*** New Estimate: $17,915,400 after re-signing Brinkley ***
OLB: Slim pickings. Might have to stay with J.T. Thomas and Casillas (neither can stay healthy)
-Thomas Davis, Panthers: Likely to be re-signed by Panthers. 32 years old. Still playing well though.
-Bruce Irvin, Seahawks: Likely to be re-signed by Seahawks. Price would be high.
-Sean Weatherspoon, Cardinals: Just another injury risk.
1. Draft or some kind of trade.
*** Existing Estimate: $17,915,400 / No Change ***
CB: It's still a pass happy league. 1 great CB is not good enough. I would take Prince and Patrick Robinson.
1. Janoris Jenkins, Rams: 4 years, $30-$34 million. Could be a dominant #2 CB and an above average #1 CB.
2. Casey Hayward, Packers: 4 years, $27-$31 million. Great slot corner. Can play outside. Has an injury history though.
3. Jerraud Powers, Cardinals: 3 years, $12.5-$15.5 million. Solid player. Good cheaper option to the others.
4. Prince Amukamara, Giants: 4 years, $28-$32 million. The injuries scare me but they aren't lingering type injuries. Hamstrings haven't been an issue for awhile.
5. Patrick Robinson, Chargers: 2 years, $5-$7 million. More of a depth signing. Can play inside our outside. Just a solid player.
*** New Estimate: $7,915,400 after re-signing Prince & signing Robinson ***
FS: Need at least a solid free safety.
-Tashaun Gipson, Browns: 4 years, $34 - 38 million. Best long term option.
-Eric Berry, Chiefs: 2 years, $16 - 18 million. The cancer scare probably drops his value a little.
-Eric Weddle, Chargers: 2 years, $16 - 18 million. A lot of scratch for a 30 year old but he's very good.
-Walter Thurmond, Eagles: 2 years, $8-$9 million. I liked his move to safety and I liked him at CB.
*** New Estimate: $3,915,400 after signing Thurmond ***
------------------------------------------------------------------------
So what am I left with? Not enough. We still need to re-sign; Josh Brown, Zak DeOssie, & JAGs as depth. Plus ERFAs Brad Wing & Orleans Darkwa to vet minimums. Not enough left to fill the roster and some left over for emergencies. However, it's not like the Giants are going to get all of positions I mentioned filled. I bet they go into next year with at least 2 holes from the above list beyond just at LB. They will need an impressive FA run plus a great draft to get back on top. I doubt they can do it in 1 year but they can certainly be more competitive and even make the playoffs.
Feel free to show all my mistakes. I look forward to it. This was something for me to do since I had free time off of work for once. I look forward to everyone's suggestions, complaints, kudos, wet willies, recommendations, insults, etc. I hope someone can recommend what to do with the MLB and OLB positions. I'm at a loss there really.
I'd cut Herzlich and Schwartz immediately. Not worth their cap hits.
I'd cut Cruz if he refuses a paycut. He won't as his brand is NY-centric and he wants to stay here = more cap room.
I have no interest in re-signing Nicks.
I'd go hard after Lamar Miller...he's my #1RB in FA.
Any one of Mathews/Jones/Benjamin to pair with OBJ makes sense. Travis Benjamin is my favorite but Harris is capable of playing the slot so he might not be the best 'fit'.
At CB sign one of Prince/Jenkins/Sean Smith as a boundary CB. Then draft one early we need to start getting younger here.
DE sign JPP and Ayers and draft one early.
FS I like Gipson(despite some durability issues) or Thurmond(who didn't mesh with TC but that might not be an issue).
I'd pursue Vincent Rey to bolster our MIKE position. Bengals have a lot of big contracts coming so they'll try to keep him on the cheap.
Where we disagree:
Dwayne Allen stinks and can't block...pass. It's a weak FA class. Gresham hasn't lit the world on fire in ARZ after signing a one year deal...is worth exploring.
Re-sign Cullen Jenkins? I can see the fork sticking out between his shoulder pads. Look elsewhere.
I really like Chris ivory running style. But he's replay not much an upgrade over Jennings and will cost twice the price.
Rashad Jennings really turned it on once he started getting the bulk of the touches. No chance I'd sign another RB. I'd stick with Jennings as the workhouse with Vereen lined up all over the place with & without Jennings on the field. Put Darkwa in to give Jennings a rest.
If they cut Beatty I'd love to go after Mitchell Schwartz to put next to his Brother. He's a huge upgrade over Newhouse & probably even an upgrade over Beatty. Luckily for us RTs don't cost the same as LTs.
I'd resign JPP, Prince, Ayers, Deossie, Tye, Brinkley, Marcus Harris, Bennett Jackson & Brad Wing.
I'd cut Beason. I'd offer restructured deals to Beatty & Cruz. I'd assume both will accept them considering they haven't been on the field.
Sign Rishard Matthews as the #2 WR
Sign Dwayne Allen to be the starting TE
Sign Mitchell Schwartz (If Beatty ends up getting cut)
Sign Vinny Curry over Oliver Vernon. Doesn't have as much wear & tear on his body & since the Eagles didn't play him much his contract should be cheaper then Vernon.
I'd try to sign Tashaun Gipson. If that fell through I'd throw an offer out to Walter Thurmond for around 5 million a year.
In the draft I'd target to best LB available hopefully Jaylon Smith.
None of those signings should really break the bank. Mostly just solid football players that played for a bad team, played in a scheme that didn't fit or didn't get a chance because of players ahead of them.
We will be lucky to get one good starter from the draft.........
This is a two year rebuild from this point on.....if Eli/OBj stay healthy, and we can find another impact receiver, and get better on the right side of the OL, this offense can be better, and possibly get us to the playoffs next year......but if all things bounce right, the defense is still, another two years away, at least.....we may make the playoffs, but we won't go far....
With two years of a defensive rebuild, I think 2017 is the Giant's best shot......
They'd probably prefer to re-sign JPP and Ayers. Then draft another young pass rusher to develop along with Owa.
As thin as we are at CB they'll need to sign Prince or a comparable talent on the open market. That's just for starters at a position that was exposed all year long.
Cruz carries a significant dead money hit so he isn't entirely without leverage. In the end they probably reach a compromise on his contract that neither side is entirely happy about but both can live with. Either way we need to acquire a legit complement for OBJ .The draft is weak at WR for the first time in several years so free agency is where we're heading. Thankfully it's quite a strong class there.
Beatty is a conundrum. He's been effective at times, hurt at others and ineffective at still others. I frankly have no clue where this one will end up. How it shakes out will determine whether we're in good shape on the OL with OG depth the priority. Or we're in the market for a starting OT which is pricey either in terms of $$$ or draft assets.
As far as trimming the roster fat I'd turn loose of: Beason, Schwartz, Jennings(with an eye to upgrading him), Unga, and Herzlich. I'd let most of our fringe UFA's walk.
No to Lamar Miller. No need for a RB. Ca. Draft a smilar talent in Rd 4. OL sign Cordy Glenn or another solid RT.
WRs are a dime a dozen. Someone can be grabbed.
...an amazing amount of work. Very thoughtful, very interesting. Thanks so much!
To me it seems like your updated cap numbers after each position set are somewhat conservative. You appear to be taking the proposed new contracts and assuming that the cap hit is equal in each year. in reality, the year 1 cap impacts would likely be a good bit lower. This effect may be somewhat offset by what appear to be generally low estimates for your proposed FA deals. Don't forget the increasing ridiculousness of NFL FA deals each year...
I disagree with you about the OL. If we ever want to get the running game going, we need a starting G, a starting T, and better depth.
This will be the third season in a row that in adamant about "taking the medicine" and cutting Beatty. Take the dead money hit once and for all you're still net saving 4.5m. 2 missed opportunities so far. Time to get this done.
AcidTest-> I'm one of the few that is not so down on Williams. Cutting him is actually for him because I don't think he fits the west coast offense. I'd think they give him the opportunity to catch on elsewhere.
Big Blue '56-> I haven't seen enough of Vinny Curry but he'd certainly be low priced. Maybe to replace Selvie? I'll see if I can't find more on him.
Torrag->
- Beatty: Damn I didn't hear that about him. I guess that's all the more reason why I don't think he re-works his contract. I think $5,000,000 in dead money is just too much. Cutting him would save $4,175,000 but can we get a replacement for that much? 2017 will be the year they can re-work his contract IMHO.
-Cutting Herzlich and Schwartz: I'm fine with it if they can replace both with equal cap amounts. Herzlich is on good on STs and Schwartz can't say healthy.
-Cruz: Not sure I would go so far as to cut him. Regardless, I think he takes the pay cut to for the very same reasons you mentioned. His market is still good in NY. His agent will tell him as much. People still want to see the Salsa and he's still marketable. If he can rebound, in NY, his stock will go back up. If he refuses to take a paycut he might look more like Steve Smith who was pretty much ostracized by NY/NJ fans.
-Nicks: Like AcidTest said, "Nicks might get a camp invite on a vet minimum contract, but they might be done with him after this season." I don't think he had time to learn the offense but even then I don't expect much out of him. Depending on how they handle Cruz, he could be a good mentor to OBJ. I keep seeing him in OBJ's ear since he came back to the team. OBJ does need a good mentor and I think Nicks has been humbled by his experience.
-Dwayne Allen: We clearly disagree on him. I think he's a good blocker and a legit receiving threat. Plus, he'd be cheap for a #1 TE. I'd feel better if Tye could block and we need a blocking TE more than people think.
-Cullen Jenkins: I went back and forth with him. I thought he was still making plays here and there. I sure as hell wouldn't lose any sleep if they cut him though.
-We are damn near of like mind on most. Especially RB, WR, DE, CB, and FS.
Vincent Rey-> Thanks and I'll start looking into him some. I haven't been able to find much for LB at all.
rasbutant->I considered Chris Ivory but I think the jets re-sign him and I'm high on Miller who I think is better. However, I think Miller will cost more too.
Big Rick in Fl->
-I didn't realize they could free up space so easily. Thanks for the heads up. I still think they are prime to lose some good players though. I can see the Giants grabbing about 2 players from them when it's all said and done.
-Mitchell Schwartz: Would be a nice get but tough if we cut his brother, which is likely in 2017 if not 2016. I've said before, I don't think they will but Beatty.
-I like everything else you said next. Another vote for Vinny Curry I will have to look into. I'll also look into Jaylon Smith. Thanks for mentioning a couple LBs!
Marty866b-> We are of like minds with your entire post except Cameron who's signed through 2016 I thought. Did I miss something? Are they cutting him to get more room on the cap?
Doomster-> I agree. I don't think they would get half these guys I'm hoping for. A guy can dream. I'm probably a little more optimistic than you though.
guineaT-> Agree with just about everything but Jennings. I think 2017 is the year to let him go.
LauderdaleMatty-> Prince is nowhere near as bad as Beason but nonetheless I'd be good with Jenkins or Smith. Cordy Glenn would be a good get if they drop Beatty.
Optimus-NY-> Again, Cordy Glenn would be a good get. However as to drafting a G in the 2nd round, I really want them going defense for the top 3 draft picks. DL and LB mostly. May have to think about CB and Safety too depending on how FA goes. The biggest weakness is defense.
Dragon-> I tried to make reasonable FA picks that wouldn't break the bank. I agree with you for the most part though. Personally, I trust FA more than the draft after the 3rd or 4th round. Especially with the Giants. Their 4th round and on leaves little to be desired. Hell they seem better with the UDFA then rounds 5 and on. Bradshaw being the exception that stands out to me.
Everyone-> Lamar Miller: Lot's of differing opinions on a RB. First, I love Jennings but he just can't hold up as the lead dog for an entire season. I think this is part of why we say this crappy RB by committee. He's a great backup next season but if they get Miller, Jennings is gone for 2017. As Big Rick in FL said, "I doubt they bring Miller back. They just draft Jay Ayaji who they really like.". I agree with this. Miller can do it all and I think he can lock in the position for 4 years at least. His injury history is clean. The only thing working against the Giants is that Miami is Miller's hometown. He was born in Miami, grew up in Miami, went to high school in Miami, and college at Miami. He may give Miami a serious home town discount.
Those that thanked me-> Glad I had time to do it. I enjoyed it really. It's fun trying to sit in the GMs chair for a quick look.
To me it seems like your updated cap numbers after each position set are somewhat conservative. You appear to be taking the proposed new contracts and assuming that the cap hit is equal in each year. in reality, the year 1 cap impacts would likely be a good bit lower. This effect may be somewhat offset by what appear to be generally low estimates for your proposed FA deals. Don't forget the increasing ridiculousness of NFL FA deals each year...
I disagree with you about the OL. If we ever want to get the running game going, we need a starting G, a starting T, and better depth.
This will be the third season in a row that in adamant about "taking the medicine" and cutting Beatty. Take the dead money hit once and for all you're still net saving 4.5m. 2 missed opportunities so far. Time to get this done.
You were posting as I was drafting, lol.
You're right, I was being conservative. The post was already long and I figured being conservative allowed for more leeway. I thought getting into front loaded/back loaded contracts would over complicate it.
You might very well be right about the running game. I seriously believe if they were able to get a good blocking TE like Allen and a younger, faster, all around better version of Jennings in Miller, that will be enough to improve the running game. You're right though, I'm counting on the OL staying healthy which is a risk considering Schwartz and Beatty. I would not be hurt at all if they replaced them for minimum damage to the cap.
>>>They can save $4,175,000 by cutting Beatty but $5,000,000 in dead money is too much. <<<
But if they don't cut him his cost is not only $9 million against the cap next year but $2.5 million the following year. Yes, the dead money for next season is $5 million but that's a full $9 million savings for the 2017 cap.
Athlete at linebacker
Free safety
Right side of line
#2 receiver
I think those would have the greatest impact in the new nfl-
Agree on the conditioning issues.
Someone in the front office is losing their job or being reassigned. They need so,some from outside this organization influencing the talent brought in.
I do not think it is fair for Coughlin to carry all the burden of this failure. Front office is most responsible. The defensive talent is embaressingly bad.
Of course free agency will greatly be effected by the front office /coaching changes.
The positions I don't feel worth investing in are TE and RB via FA.
OL hasn't been working out for them in FA. Baas, Scwartz, just not getting it done and getting hurt. I think drafting another OL makes sense and other the Defense the only place I'd like them to address in the top 3 rds.
What is the last really good RB the Giants drafted? Bradshaw?
Totally forgot about Glenn..My understanding is that they were rather high on him unless I'm thinking of someone else..JonC?
Doomy: FA doesn't work the way you think, in that there will be plenty of guys who won't be re-signed who could help us, who would turn a season that should have been 10-5(to date) given 4 inexplicable last play losses, into a legit 10-5..
We're not that far away. Truly..My only question is, will they actually see the field(health) once they get here?
i expect 4 starting caliber players added FS, WR, PR/DE, OL.
This should afford them th ability to take the best impact players in the draft and they could go CB, DL, LB in the draft.
>>>They can save $4,175,000 by cutting Beatty but $5,000,000 in dead money is too much. <<<
But if they don't cut him his cost is not only $9 million against the cap next year but $2.5 million the following year. Yes, the dead money for next season is $5 million but that's a full $9 million savings for the 2017 cap.
First, considering your hungover, Tanks was probably the better word, lol. I appreciate it.
Next, I considered 2017 but then realized it's not applicable. I believe they cut him after 2016. Beatty's contract year (for his last one) will really be in 2016. Giants will not keep him for 2017 under that last year's contract. I think that was always the throw away year for him. For 2017 the cap savings would be $6,825,000 with $2,500,000 in dead money. No way the Giants keep him on for that much of the cap with a healthy Flowers on the roster.
As far as why I want Glenn I look at Beatty as a guy who is just not tough enough. Not an aggressive run blocker and ill suited for RT. Just cut bait.
Happy New year and a ton of work and analysis. Great stuff thanks sir
Athlete at linebacker
Free safety
Right side of line
#2 receiver
I think those would have the greatest impact in the new nfl-
LB is equally bad, but if you put a stout DL on a team, the LB's will not be as exposed. Look at the 2008 draft defense the Giants had. Tuck, Robbins, Cofield, and Kiwanuka were great barriers and allowed an aging Pierce, mediocre Bryan Kehl and Danny Clark to not get beaten often.
I think signing Tayshaun Gipson would be a good move and allows him to play centerfield and lets Collins roam the middle or in the box. Let him lay out fools and approach the LOS.
As far as why I want Glenn I look at Beatty as a guy who is just not tough enough. Not an aggressive run blocker and ill suited for RT. Just cut bait.
Happy New year and a ton of work and analysis. Great stuff thanks sir
We are not that far off on Prince. In fact, I'd love to move on if they can afford it. I think Prince gives a hometown discount. Not sure why I feel that way though. I'd rather move on to an equal value. I'd pay a little more for a healthier version.
I'm gonna update my OL options. You and a few others have convinced me. More to follow.
-Let it ride. That's right. Beatty/Flowers (LT) - Pugh (LG) - Richburg (C) - Schwartz/Hart (RG) - Flowers/Beatty (RT)
--Newhouse reserve RT. He's a decent backup IMHO. I hope nobody is expecting more from a backup.
--Beatty takes back his LT spot unless he's good at RT. They will try to reduce Beatty's salary but he won't do it.
--May have to find a backup guard if they release Schwartz but should get equal value regardless.
They could let Beatty go for a very large dead money hit ($5 Mil) but save $4,175,000 towards a replacement. Beatty's cap savings in 2017 could almost make up the total difference ($6,825,000). I've tried to stay away from getting into front-loaded/back loading contracts but a back loaded contract could make this easier.
Here's an interesting thought; If Coughlin stays, I am at about 60/40 that Beatty stays. Sorry but Coughlin is loyal in that he doesn't like his players to lose their spot to injury. If Coughlin goes, I am at about 70/30 that Beatty goes too. The new Coach will address the injury history players.
My recommendations would be the following if Beatty is cut:
1. Cordy Glenn, Bills: 5 years, $35-39 million. It would lock down the tackle positions for the next 4 years. Pugh can backup both as well.
2. Mitchell Schwartz, Browns: 5 years, $30-34 million. Cheaper option and viable at RT but I'm not sure he comes here if his brother is cut, which is a distinct possibility.
A minor concern I have is the Giants have been better at drafting OL (Pugh, Richburg, Flowers) lately than FA (Bass, Schwartz).
Sorry, I don't want to go through and change the effect on the cap anymore. Why? Again, they are unlikely to make even half the changes suggested here.
The unit is only going to get better going forward as young guys like Flowers, Pugh, Richburg, and Hart continue to develop. RT could be the one spot where an upgrade is needed if Beatty isn't retained, and RG could end up being a place that needs addressing depending on what the new staff thinks of Hart and if Schwartz is still around.
Then I have a few more....
Then I have a few more....
LOL! Actually I typed it up in Notepad because the forum lacks any of the tools Word would use anyway. Although, I should have done it in Word and avoiding it's extra formatting bells and whistles. That way I could run spell check and grammar check. I did a read through before posting, made some corrections, but still managed to leave several errors on the final post. Sorry if it was difficult to read.
But FA contracts can be manipulated any way they want, but this is the first time we can really be serious players.
So however they do it, a return to the reaped rewards of the 2005 FA period should not be out of the question imo..
That said, I want Von Miller(who is extremely talented and can adapt to ANY scheme imo) and Vin Curry on the D, Lamar Miller(I could live without him, so only if he's not at the exclusion of my fan priorities) and Cordy Glenn..
If Von Miller is not attainable, than my top 3 would remain, Curry, L. Miller and Glenn..No problem substituting a very good Secondary guy for L. Miller
1. TE: Donnell, Tye, Lacosse and Cunningham are fine. Larry D might be an average starter (at best) but Tye and maybe Lacosse will imo be much better than average 2nd and 3rd TEs. Of course, you would love a real dynamic pass catcher but you can't fix everything at once.
2.RB: Stay the course. Maybe draft a quick Sproles/Meggett type in the mid rounds. Jennings, Vereen and Darkwa are a competent if unspectacular group.
3. OL: Cut Schwartz. Can't stay healthy and was not very good when he was healthy. Beatty depends on health. Newhouse was actually a very good signing. A slightly below average RT for 1.5 million. Both he and Jerry stay as backups. If Beatty has to be cut, then you have to sign a RT.
4. DL: This is where you have to spend your money and draft picks, especially if the Giants stay with a 4-3.
5. LB: Cut Beason and Herzlich.Thomas and Casillas are fine as backups/rotational guys and they are also good on STs. But you need a second rounder or legit FA signing. I'd like to see the Giants finally move to a 3-4 and use the JPP money to sign a Von Miller type of big ticket FA. But that only happens if TC goes.
6. WR: Agree about cutting Cruz if there are any lingering health issues. IMO he was already not the same player before the injury. I don't see him coming back at the top of his game. Hanging on to injured players in the hope that TC would take the old crew to the show one more time is what killed the Giants the last 4 years. Start fresh. Let Randle walk as well.
Coach: Fire Coughlin and let Eli play with a coach more n tune with the contemporary NFL.
I actually think the only real differences I have with the OP are predicated on coaching. He wants to spend money to get a bell cow RB, which makes sense if Coughlin stays. I want to use that money elsewhere because I see a McDaniels or Gase or Payton coming here and installing an offense predicated on the passing game.
If he slips to the 2nd Round, I'd like to see the Giants take him. Three short years from now he can th Giants QB. Use th free agent money to fill the roster and use that #1 pick.
I don't see him as the QB in 5 years at 40 years old.
Re: the coach, I think this year was one of his finer seasons but understand that at some point they will need to turn the page. I'm not sold on Reese so unless a top notch option presented itself (Harbough, Payton, Gruden) I'd probably stay the course and give the Reese/Coughlin tandem one last hurrah before completely cleaning house.
I think Prince gives a hometown discount. Not sure why I feel that way though.
Prince has used his Twitter account the last year or two to point out that he is taking notice every time a cornerback got paid big money.
Mario Williams -- (if cut by Bills) 15 sacks a year ago before Rex trashed the scheme
Sean Smith -- more talented than Prince and will probably cost the same
Cordy Glenn -- stocks OL w/ young talent across the board
Dwayne Allen -- legit two way TE
Travis Benjamin -- long, explosive WR who will give defenses fits along w/ Beckham. Cruz would have a monster year in the slot w the attention on Benjamin and Beckham
Re-sign JPP
Let Prince walk
Let Randle walk
Cut Beatty
Draft -- target MLB, DE, CB, OG
I don't see him as the QB in 5 years at 40 years old.
I think it's a 4 year deal...Eli will have finished 5 years at age 39