Yes I have done this before in a slightly different format. I said I would follow up when the new Coach is selected because things would change. Instead, since it's McAdoo, I have a hard time making an opinion on this one. Therefore, I'm trying to be more neutral instead and let everyone else decide.
Time to play you're the GM. This is pre-draft mind you. Feel free to add players as you see fit. Correct my numbers if you think I'm wrong. Throw in a trade if you would like. Remember you're the GM. What would you do?
Disclaimer: I seriously doubt the Giants can/will sign half the players I am suggesting. More than likely, their teams re-up their contracts or one of the other 30 teams pick them up. However, the Giants do in fact have an opportunity to greatly improve in FA. This is the most cap space they've had in a long time. McAdoo/Reese have their work cut out for them. I challenge everyone to make their inputs.
Cap numbers according to www.overthecap.com:
-Only 5 teams have more cap space then the Giants thus far; Jaguars, Raiders, 49ers, Bears, & Buccaneers.
-The 5 bottom teams for the cap; Patriots, Ravens, Dolphins, Bills, & Saints. Dolphins, Bills, & Saints only ones in the red.
-Giants expected to be approximately $47.857 million under the cap next year after cutting Beason, cap increase, etc.
--Currently show $43,357,206 for 2016. This new total must be after the carry over from previous year.
1. They can save $4,500,000 by cutting Beason which is very likely. This is the only cut I will assume because it seems obvious.
-This brings the total next year to $47,857,206
--I prefer to go ahead and subtract the amount for draft picks under an estimate now; Let's say $4 Million (corrected from previous)
***New total is approximately; $43,857,206 (Let's round that to $44 Million shall we. It makes math easier)***
-Optional Cuts that could very well happen. Some could be re-structured.
--I think they hold on to most of the players until after the draft/FA. Others they wait until after June 1st to assess them.
---They can save $4,175,000 by cutting Beatty ($5 Mil in dead money hurts). How much can they save if restructured? ________________________?
----Contract ends after 2017. Would also save $6,825,000 for 2017 but they wouldn't keep him for that anyway IMHO.
----I'm not very confident in a re-sctructure for Beatty. I think he could still get a decent contract elsewhere while walking away with a lot from the Giants so he's got the stronger hand.
---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 $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 $486,600 by cutting Williams (Not a west coast offense RB. Give him a chance to catch on elsewhere)
---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. How much can they save if restructured? ________________________?
----I'm very confident that Cruz's deal gets re-structured. He's still in a big market that loves him. That's where his extra $$ is.
----I think Cruz's production could be replaced with Travis Benjamin BUT he tore an ACL back in 2013. Injuries scare me now.
------ *** FA Signing Options ($44 Million) Input new value here if you made any cuts/changes _______________________ *** ------
RB: I'm not confident that Jennings can make it through a full season but they have greater needs.
1. Stay the course. Mid to low round draft pick.
2. Lamar Miller, Dolphins: 5 years, $25 -$27 million. Can do it all very well. Can be a bell cow. Clean injury history. Miami with cap issues.
3. James Starks, Packers: 2 years, $2-2.5 million. Same player as Jennings. Together with Jennings maybe one can survive the season.
4. Matt Forte, Bears: 3 years, $11.5-$13.5 million. Older player which is against what they've been doing recently.
5. Doug Martin, Buccs: 3 years, $15-16 million. He has an injury history. Major red flag!
*Bring back Darkwa for three year veteran minimum salary due to ERFA rules.
*** New Estimate: Input your value here _______________________ ***
TE: Hopeful for Dwayne Allen plus Tye & Donnell. I know many here don't think we need a TE but Allen would be cheap and worth it IMHO.
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: Input your value here _______________________ ***
WR: Rishard Matthews a possibility with Miami's cap problems. I now prefer Jermaine Kearse or Marvin Jones. Don't like the ACL tear on Benjamin.
-Alshon Jeffrey, Bears: 5 years, $65-69 million. This is a dream IMHO. Bears won't let him go and he would price closer to a #1.
1. Jermaine Kearse, Seahawks: 3 years, $9-$10.5 million. Clean injury history. Tough guy. Likely to be retained by Seattle.
2. Marvin Jones, Bengals: 4 years, $16-$17.5 million. A possible longer term solution if Bengals let him go.
3. Travis Benjamin, Browns: 3 years, $15 -$18 million. Torn ACL in 2013, RED FLAG! More of a slot receiver IMHO? Likely to be retained.
4. Rishard Matthews, Dolphins: 4 years, $17-$18 million. Phins in cap hell next year. Most likely to be available and good skill set.
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: 5 years, $32-$34 million. Injury history. Lazy routes. Goodbye IMHO.
*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 which is very very likely.
*** New Estimate: Input your value here _______________________ ***
OL: Remember we cut Beatty so we need to replace him. Cordy Glenn would damn near finish off the OL for years.
-Glenn/Flowers (LT) - Pugh (LG) - Richburg (C) - Schwartz/Hart (RG) - Flowers/Glenn (RT)
--Newhouse reserve RT. He's a decent backup IMHO. I hope nobody is expecting more from a backup.
--May have to find a backup guard if they release Schwartz and it would cost a bit more. I think they wait and see if Hart can step up.
1. Cordy Glenn, Bills (LT): 5 years, $35-39 million. It would lock down the tackle positions for the next 4 years.
2. Mitchell Schwartz, Browns (RT): 5 years, $30-34 million. Cheaper option and viable at RT but not if his brother is cut.
3. Kelechi Osemele, Ravens (LG): 5 years, $37-41 million. Ravens could let him walk. Expensive for a guard though.
4. Alex Boone, 49ers (LG): 4 years, $21-25 million. Caution, he's 28 but cheaper.
5. Richie Incognito, Bills (RG): 1 year, $1.5 million. Caution, he's 32 but cheaper & bad history.
6. Brandon Brooks, Texans (RG): No idea. I know nothing about him but someone else mentioned him.
*** New Estimate: Input your value here _______________________ ***
DL: A few potential targets. Need to spend a high draft pick here.
-Robert Ayers, Giants: 2 years, $2.5-$3 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?
1A. Vinny Curry, Eagles (DE): 3 years, $11-$14 million. Moved out of position since Eagles switched to a 3-4. 28 years old. Cheaper option.
1B. High draft picks (DE) or (DT) in 1st, 2nd or 3rd rounds: I'm not enamored with Free Agency and the costs.
2. Jason Pierre Paul, Giants: 1 year, $8-9 million. They will re-assess after latest surgery. Can he use his hand again?
3. Mario Williams, Bills (if he's cut): 3 years, $33 million. Forced to play in a 3-4 but clearly a 4-3 DE. 30 years old.
4. Olivier Vernon, Dolphins: 4 years, $20-$24 million. Had a down year but great potential. Miami being over the cap help the cause.
5. Mike Daniels, Packers: 4 years, $25-$29 million. Doubt he leaves the Packers though.
6. Malik Jackson, Broncos: 5 years, $36-$40 million. Unfortunately a 3-4 DE but I think he could switch (DT or DE). Broncos will be concerned with Von Miller.
7. Robert Ayers, Giants: 2 years, $4-$5 million. 30 years old.
*** New Estimate: Input your value here _______________________ ***
LB: Missing a good QB for the defense. I think we are stuck with Brinkley, Herzlich, and Unga at (MLB)
-Not a fan of the FA options myself!!! Open to suggestions.
-Draft, Draft, Draft
-Might have to stay with J.T. Thomas and Casillas at OLB (neither can stay healthy)
-Danny Trevathan, Broncos: I really don't know much about him but other posters suggested him.
-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.
-Nigel Bradham, Bills: Listed as a 4-3 OLB. I don't know anything about him but someone else mentioned him previously.
1. Draft a LB is the first 4 rounds for once. Draft more in later rounds as well.
*** New Estimate: Input your value here _______________________ ***
CB: It's still a pass happy league. 1 great CB is not good enough. I would take Janoris Jenkins if possible.
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: Input your value here _______________________ ***
FS: Need at least a solid free safety. Gipson would be a great get. I also like Thurmond who can also cover slot receivers well at CB.
1. Tashaun Gipson, Browns: 4 years, $34 - $38 million. Best long term option.
2. Walter Thurmond, Eagles: 2 years, $8-$9 million. I liked his move to safety and I liked him at CB too. Would he come back?
3. Eric Berry, Chiefs: 2 years, $16 - $18 million. The cancer scare probably drops his value a little.
4. Eric Weddle, Chargers: 2 years, $16 - $18 million. A lot of scratch for a 30 year old but he's very good. Could use the leadership/veteran experience.
*** New Estimate: Input your value here _______________________ ***
Special Teams: Need to bring back both Brad Wing, Josh Brown, and Zak DeOssie.
-Vet minimum for Brad Wing (ERFA): $675,000
-Josh Brown: 3 years, $4.5 - $5 million
-Zak DeOssie: 2 years, $2 - $3 million. Although 31 years old he's still great on STs and an excellent LS.
*** New Estimate: Input your value here _______________________ ***
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-In case you couldn't tell, I'm not picking players for anyone. You can pick your own players and do the math yourself.
--Again, 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 3 holes from the above list. 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.
Here are the players I didn't account for that the Giants will lose to FA in 2016 (unless re-signed). Who do they keep?:
Cullen Jenkins
Trumaine McBride
George Selvie
Daniel Fells
Brandon Meriweather
Craig Dahl
Barry Cofield
Danny Aiken
Hakeem Nicks
Dallas Reynolds
Jayron Hosley
Brandon Mosley
Nico Johnson
Adam Gettis
Markus Kuhn
Myles White
Marcus Harris
Bennett Jackson
Tyler Ott
Jerome Cunningham
Brad Bars
Matt LaCosse
Ben Edwards
*** New Estimate: Input your value here _______________________ ***
As with last time, feel free to show all my mistakes. I look forward to it. I look forward to everyone's suggestions, complaints, kudos, wet willies, recommendations, insults, etc.
*** You're results; _______________________ ***
I would focus free agent dollars to CB, LB and Free Safety. Go after pass rushers in draft.
I would focus free agent dollars to WR and maybe blocking TE. Go after Another WR and RT and RB in draft
Sorry your absolutely right. I just wanted to provide as much info as possible so people can make an informed decision. I'm not asking for complete answers only. You can assess a little or a lot.
The love is gone, thanks for everything, good bye!!
Blind loyalty was one of the factors that led to Coughlin's downfall, let's not keep making the same mistakes again......
Key this team is not going to become contenders in one off season, build with the young guys who are not crying it's my contract year i need to get paid.
The love is gone, thanks for everything, good bye!!
Blind loyalty was one of the factors that led to Coughlin's downfall, let's not keep making the same mistakes again......
I get it. The injuries. The numbers.
But I think the Giants need to perform their due diligence here in a re-structure. If he can come back, he could be a nice extra option at the correct price. But otherwise, yeah, I'd have to say goodbye.
Also correction under OL, we did not release Beatty. I forgot to delete that part.
Very optimistic toward that end..
Draft Lawson or Ogbah
2016 DEs Curry, Jackson, Ayers, Owa, Ogbah or Lawson - both Jackson and Ayers can slip inside for 3rd and long situations.
Also sign the Safety Berry.
I think we keep Beatty, maybe a restructure, but... for a reduced amount of $$ there might not be a better option. The injuries are piling up though, and that is scary.
Start with the offense:
RB: Both Jennings and Vereen got nice contracts, and both performed well when given the chance. I dont see any reason to take the job out of Jennings hands this year and spend money on a RB. Would love to draft a change of pace back late in the draft.
WR: Cruz should absolutely be asked to take a pay cut, no way we can field Cruz at that number this year. We NEED to address this position. Randle is gone, and will be looking for his first payday which will not be from the Giants. Free Agent class this year is very weak which is not good for us.
Target should be:
Jeffrey 5-$50mil
Sanu 4-$20mil
Marvin Jones 4-$20 mil
Beljamin 3-$18mil
We NEED to lock up one of these names to put on the field with Odell, Cruz*, and Harris
TE:
Another position I feel MUST be addressed. Others are high on Tye and Donnell, but I feel we cannot enter the season with these two. Tye was a pleasant surprise, but Donnell seems like a headcase and cannot be trusted.
Target should be:
Mercedes Lewis 2-$6mil
Dwayne Allen 3-$9mil
Coby Fleener 4-$24mil
Zach Miller 1-$1mil
OL:
I'm in the camp of keeping Beatty. Beatty has shown he can be that reliable LT when healthy, feel they can really bolster the line with moving Flowers back to RT and Beatty at LT. Absolutely getting Schwartz to take a paycut or cutting him outright and eating the dead money. Plan here would be to draft a guard prospect in the 3-4 range and let him battle it out with Hart in camp. Also signing some veteran depth would be key this offseason. Vet can compete with Hart and Rookie in camp.
Offense wish list conclusion:
With my Madden expertise (joke), here would be MY ideal offseason for the offense:
-Draft a RB late and do not waste cap space here
-Go after Jeffrey if available, sign Marvin Jones if not
-Sign Mercedes Lewis
-Draft a guard in rounds 3-4 and sign vet depth
Defense:
DT: We need to get Hankins some help on the DL. Im in full support of drafting the best DL available round one.
FA Target:
Nick Fairley- 4-$28 mil
Knighton- 4-$47
Ngata- 2-$5 mil
DE:
Obvious solution here is to resign the guys we have. Jpp will be looking for that payday he should have had, but lets hope its realistic. As far as Ayers, I think hes looking for that payday that playing alongside JPP earned him. Ayers is 30 and looking for that one last deal. Again, would love to take talent in round one of the draft here.
FA Target:
JPP- 3-$36mil
Ayers- 3-$15mil
Vernon- 4-$22mil
Curry- 3-$10mil
Von Miller- Dont see him becoming available but if so 3-$45mil
LB:
I get we spent money on Casilias and Thomas last season, but this was not the move to solidify a position that has been ignored for years. Both didn't provide much in terms of production, but have dead money that I dont think they should eat for both. I agree with letting Herzlich walk, this was Coughlins "project", his time is done. I would love to keep Beason around one more year on a VERY cut contract. Let him compete in camp and if healthy run the defense (I know Im in the minority here)
FA Target:
Derrick Johnson- 2-$10mil
Trevathan- 4-$24mil
Weatherspoon- 4-$24 mil
Irvin- 4-$28 mil
Greenway- 2-$10 mil
CB:
As much as I have defended Prince, I dont think we can give him the payday he is looking for. This is another position I would love to draft early with our first or second pick.
FA Target-
Jenkins- 4-$36mil
Prince- 4-28mil (although I think he will want Jenkins $)
P Robinson- 2-$9mil
Claiborne- 3-$18mil
Mcbride- 2-$7mil
S:
Another position that MUST be addressed. Landon will continue to grow, but needs a solid Vet to help learn and grow with. I feel Landon will be become a solid in the box safety, but we asked him to do too much last season. We have a lot of prospects on the IR to compete in camp, but we need to make a splash here.
FA Target-
Weddle- 3-$30mil
Berry- 4-$40mil
Nelson- 4-36mil
Gibson-4-40mil
Defense conclusion-
Its obvious we need to make a splash on defense this year in FA and the draft. Resigning JPP has to be first priority. After that, my absolute main goal is securing Eric Weddle for this defense. We need a leader in the back and this will only help Landon grow as a player. Weddle is a natural leader and has produced consistently for years. My next priority is securing Derrick Johnson to run this defense in the middle. I get it these two come with age, but we need their veteran leadership.
Thats it, flame away. I am by no means a expert in this stuff, and rarely post but wanted to give my 2 cents!
I don't see any way Cruz comes back without taking a hefty restructure. I think it's possible Cruz even gets cut outright. He's done nothing for 2 years and with all the changes I see no way the Giants let him make a ton of guaranteed money for the 3rd year in a row with no return.
Defense is where you need a lot of investment in FA. They need another pass rusher on the defensive line. They need a coverage safety. They need a MLB badly. A CB is also ideal but I might do that in the draft possibly at 10.
On offense I don't think they need to spend a ton of money. I think they can hunt for a WR in the draft at some point. A veteran TE would be ideal too if they can bring one in. Adding an OL talent is an option too if we need to improve G play in a new twist on what McAdoo wants there than what Coughlin used.
Of those 18, Cruz will be a wait-see-restructure. JPP will be at the right price only.
There were a couple of too-soon-to-tell/injury situations like Odigizuwa and M. Thompson, who they'll obviously keep, and they don't cost much.
If HISTORY tells us anything, it's that:
Reese will TRY to fix the OL via FA
They won't invest much in a quality TE. But TC's offense never truly featured the TE position, and there's a new sheriff in town, so who knows?
Beyond that, they need impact players on Defense, and they aren't going to get enough soon enough via the draft. So they better do something via FA.
As you say, I don't see Denver letting Von Miller go, but if that happened, I wouldn't have a problem with the Giants breaking the bank for him. If they don't, someone else will, and with their luck, it'll be someone in the NFC East.
Who me? I think you mean how naive the writers at www.overthecap.com are because most of these numbers came from them. Just so you know. Since their whole site is dedicated to football player salaries, cap space, FA, etc, I'm not sure naive is your best word choice but hey, you can have an opinion too.
Resign JPP one year
Draft #10 Billings for DT
Round 2 - draft DE Dodds from Clemson
It takes at least one year, usually two for defensive linemen to develop. With JPP and Curry at DE and Hankins/Bromley st DT the Giants would have a very talented Billings for the 3-GAP with Bromley and Odighizuwa and Dodds developing (and likely getting some nice reps).
That's a huge improvement on the DL IMO.
Me? Did I say that, I don't remember? Me personally, I believe Cruz will take a pay cut but not Beatty. Beatty could walk away with plenty of money and still get a decent deal in FA. I think they keep Beatty and cut him prior to 2017. I think Cruz could still get a decent deal in FA but he would get paid more in NY. He's still a big draw, has Eli throwing him the ball, big endorsements, a legit #1 WR to draw coverages, and big endorsements. Yes I know I said endorsements twice.
Resign JPP one year
Curry quickly became high on my list too but I thought I read somewhere that Eagles could go back to the 4-3. If true, Curry just became a lot harder to sign.
and are better off resigning them.
False. The benefit of knowing your own players 'best' includes their shortfalls as well as their strengths.
The benefit occurs IF you're able to make an honest in house evaluation to either 1) stay the course with a player or 2) acknowledge when it's time make a change.
Prince and Schwartz fall in the latter category imo as would JPP barring a lowball one year 'prove your hand works' deal.
The final determination could yield the Giants up to an additional $3.4M to our cap allocation for next season.
Quote:
Sign Curry off Eagles 3 years
Resign JPP one year
Curry quickly became high on my list too but I thought I read somewhere that Eagles could go back to the 4-3. If true, Curry just became a lot harder to sign.
Which is fine too. Resign JPP and go DE with one of the first two picks with Odie still in the mix. Still like the idea of a Billings at #10 though.
The final determination could yield the Giants up to an additional $3.4M to our cap allocation for next season.
That is an important note and thanks for posting it. However, that would also give the other 21 teams an additional $3.4 million. It has both pros and cons to helping the Giants next year.
Aspano!, I'm intrigued to say the least on Mario Williams as well. The defense needs pass rush and veteran leadership. I think Mario could provide both. I think resigning JPP (depending on health), re-signing Ayers, and signing Mario could go a long way for the DL.
Quote:
...is based on the lowest amount of the possible $150 - $153.4M range reported by the NFL Offices.
The final determination could yield the Giants up to an additional $3.4M to our cap allocation for next season.
That is an important note and thanks for posting it. However, that would also give the other 21 teams an additional $3.4 million. It has both pros and cons to helping the Giants next year.
Aspano!, I'm intrigued to say the least on Mario Williams as well. The defense needs pass rush and veteran leadership. I think Mario could provide both. I think resigning JPP (depending on health), re-signing Ayers, and signing Mario could go a long way for the DL.
Agreed on that. I'd actually like to see JPP come back for one more year, possibly to up his value, and also as a stop gap to see if Odi can develop into a rotational DL piece going forward.
My expectations for NYG and UFA 2016 are moderate. There's going to be a lot of bargain hunting and hopefully hit a bigger fish or two.
My expectations for NYG and UFA 2016 are moderate. There's going to be a lot of bargain hunting and hopefully hit a bigger fish or two.
Jon, don't see the Giants bargain hunting. The need to spend just to get to the cap minimum. They may end up with some bargains, given the completion for players, but I think they'll lead with a number of big money offers. The Jets did it last year.
At TE Tye & Donnell can be fine if we get a couple of WRs. One TE is Cameron Jordan who may be cut in Miami. He offers a lot more speed than the guys we have and that sure would help.
We have the cap space. They can flip this in one off season. We have to make strong moves to take advantage of Beckham. They have to be very active.
Quote:
and virtually every team will also have cap space to spend.
My expectations for NYG and UFA 2016 are moderate. There's going to be a lot of bargain hunting and hopefully hit a bigger fish or two.
Jon, don't see the Giants bargain hunting. The need to spend just to get to the cap minimum. They may end up with some bargains, given the completion for players, but I think they'll lead with a number of big money offers. The Jets did it last year.
Jets took some character risks the Giants are less likely to take. There's just not going to be a lot out there.
Several FAs signed by the Giants performed quite adequately; but the irony is that they were mostly the bug ticket item FAs: MacKenzie, Plax, Rolle and DRC. The midling salary guys were mostly disappointments: Baas, Schwartz, Jenkins. Some mid-low level bargains did OK: Bennett, the ST/WR guy from Dallas, Ayers...
But I would focus this year on just a few high ticket item types: mostly Wilkerson and a top FS if available like Gipson. Maybe Marvin Jones or Sanu... Not sure either is so much better than Randle though, given I don't think RR will cost that much to re-signed. I really hope we can re-sign JPP at modest base with big incentives.
Casillas and Thomas are not bad players. They should be the #4 and #5 linebackers (nickel LB and versatile sub), not in the top three as on the rare occasions when they were healthy in 2015. Although their 2016 salaries are high for those roles, they are affordable.
Herzlich will be here, based on his history with McGovern and Quinn. The smart play there might be to release him before his roster bonus comes due, take the $200K dead money hit and then resign him to a one-year qualifying deal when the market shows no interest. That would save cash and add cap relief.
Assuming that Kennard can stay on the field, the problem isn't the bottom four LB spots. Those are filled, especially if Brinkley returns to compete for a backup role. The immediate goal should be to add a difference-maker and an above-average starter to put alongside Kennard.
Denver has Von Miller and Malik Jackson while facing a decision on extending/franchising Osweiler.
Olivier Vernon, Lamar Miller, Rishaud Matthews and Kelvin Sheppard all in Miami. Ripe for the picking.
Buffalo is in cap hell leaving the door wide open for Cordy Glenn to cash in.
Kelechi Osemele is set to hit the open market in Baltimore.
Muhammad Wilkerson and Damon Harrison of the Jets.
The Bengals have Marvin Jones and Sanu at WR with AJ Greens contract set to balloon in 2017. Vinny Rey at MIKE.
Brandon Boykin and Robert Golden two solid DB's in Pittsburgh.
I'll sign for a 2005-esque off season returning three quality starters plus some depth. I think that's very doable.
They also have $19MM in cap savings sitting on the table if Peyton retires or is released, as seems likely.
Really, no team that spends as little on QBs as the Bills do is likely to lose anyone they really want to keep.
Bills are nearly $3.5M over the cap. Easy fixes? Easier said thenm done. Besides noone wants to stay in Buffalo when they see the door. :) At least I wouldn't.
Numbers are from overthecap.com. Are you sure they didn't already carry over that money for their site? My original threads that were similar had us going over $50 million but overthecap updated some of their numbers and now I'm not so sure.
True, but he's replacing a much more expensive QB. So there will be significant net savings. And will Osweiler really cost that much to extend? He hasn't done anything yet.
Denver has Von Miller and Malik Jackson while facing a decision on extending/franchising Osweiler.
Olivier Vernon, Lamar Miller, Rishaud Matthews and Kelvin Sheppard all in Miami. Ripe for the picking.
Buffalo is in cap hell leaving the door wide open for Cordy Glenn to cash in.
Kelechi Osemele is set to hit the open market in Baltimore.
Muhammad Wilkerson and Damon Harrison of the Jets.
The Bengals have Marvin Jones and Sanu at WR with AJ Greens contract set to balloon in 2017. Vinny Rey at MIKE.
Brandon Boykin and Robert Golden two solid DB's in Pittsburgh.
I'll sign for a 2005-esque off season returning three quality starters plus some depth. I think that's very doable.
Great list, to me what happens with the Jets will directly impact the Giants. If Snacks shakes loose, it's the immediate big run-stuffer they like to pair with Haskins. But can they afford both Snacks and someone like Jackson?
Naturally they will ignore this and spend like drunk sailers on WR's and CB's again.
And be out of the playoffs again.
Naturally they will ignore this and spend like drunk sailers on WR's and CB's again.
And be out of the playoffs again.
You should really go root for another team
Seriously though this is interesting. WIll look at this when I have a couple days. Hours.
Cut Geoff Schwartz to gain an additional 2.9 mil
I'd like to restructure / ask Cruz to take a paycut, but that will not be addressed in this scenario cause I'm not sure how that would work, would be nice to free up another 1-2 million from him to deal with filling out the roster.
Leave the low tier LBs that Reese signed. I don't like them but they can be disguised by a better defensive line and a true MLB. With your numbers total cap is about 51.4 million.
RBs: Darkwa and see if something can be had in the draft. I just don't like any of those options. We'll subtract
400k for him.
- $51 million
TE: I'd attempt bringing in Barnidge on a 2 year $4 million deal, but I'll go up to $5 million. He's a blocking TE first, until exploding this year in the passing game.
- $48.5 million left ($4 million allocated)
DL:
Mario Williams, except at 3 years, $30 million
JPP, 3 years $24 million
Ayers, 2 at $4
- $25.5 million ($20 million allocated)
FS:
Weddle 3 years $15 million
- $20 millon ($5 million allocated)
CB:
Amukamara 5 years $35 million ($7 million allocated)
- $13 million
MLB:
Demario Davis, 3 years $15 million ($5 million allocated)
- $8 million
At this point you are filling up the roster with guys. I would've liked to have addressed more on the offensive line and get another receiver, but the defense was the problem and I think something like this allows you to go BPA in draft. This might create some cap issues down the line and I am fine backloading some of these contracts with more money when Eli Manning comes off the books. A breakdown of the allocation of the cap is half to defensive line and safety, cause we were that bad. Not sure this solves it, but thats one way to do it.
NFL Draft salary projection - ( New Window )
Brutal, after briefly messing with that exercise I think we are fucked. I don't see how that defense gets fixed, dump as much as possible into the dline and hope for the best.
First, thanks for the nod!
Vernon isn't mine. I'll link the overthecap.com article. I have to agree with their estimate on him. I can't remember how I came up with Berry. I don't disagree you here though. I'm probably over estimating how the cancer will effect judgement on his value.
Another reminder for everyone. The vast majority of these estimates are not mine. Most come from articles at www.overthecap.com. Linked below is the one on defensive ends.
http://overthecap.com/2016-nfl-free-agency-defensive-ends-overview/ - ( New Window )
This is likely a very good point thank you. I did my calculation off of an article I read from last year's draft on what amount was actually used on the cap. I'll link the article. It explains that although, last year, the Giants had $6,267,517 to spend on their draft picks (estimated by www.overthecap.com), they actually spent closer to $3,780,000. The reason is the cap only accounts for the top 51 players. The players drafted in the lower rounds usually do not end up counting against the cap.
The article can explain it better than me. Now this doesn't say either of us is right or wrong mind you. There is certainly a significant margin for error. I decided to go with a little more than they spent last year to try and account for the cap increase. I could very well be $2 million off the mark like you said. It's one of the very few estimates that I didn't follow what www.overthecap.com shows.
http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2015/01/heres_how_much_the_giants_have_to_spend_on_draft_p.html - ( New Window )
C.....
Sorry I cut the quote short as I didn't want to take up more space. I like what you did there. Some great choices. Kudos! I'm still working on mine. I like how you fit in Mario, JPP, and Ayers. Looks like a great revamped line to me. I haven't been able to do the same with mine yet.
No point in keeping guys not worth it, although it extends the restructuring...
Quote:
Cut John Beason to gain an additional 4.5 mil
C.....
Sorry I cut the quote short as I didn't want to take up more space. I like what you did there. Some great choices. Kudos! I'm still working on mine. I like how you fit in Mario, JPP, and Ayers. Looks like a great revamped line to me. I haven't been able to do the same with mine yet.
Eh, not so sure about Demario Davis. Might need to not make that move and fill out the roster with his money. After reading how he was in coverage not so sure as well. Removing him, the $13 million should be enough to fill in the roster and maybe get a middle tier guy, which is what I think Davis is. Not sure he gets $5 million per year after doing additional research.
Eh, not so sure about Demario Davis. Might need to not make that move and fill out the roster with his money. After reading how he was in coverage not so sure as well. Removing him, the $13 million should be enough to fill in the roster and maybe get a middle tier guy, which is what I think Davis is. Not sure he gets $5 million per year after doing additional research.
Yea I'm seeing you strengthened the DL but probably hurt the OL. You can cut Schwartz but who will replace him. Hart maybe but who's backing him up. Draft maybe? WRs are left with OBJ and hoping for Cruz to step up.
There are holes but I would be surprised if anyone can do without holes. Overall it looks like you evened out things a little. Strengthened defense with "what could be" a hit to the offense. They would have to get lucky with Cruz and Hart.
-Base salary is $1.5 Million
-I'm going to assume he played 85% or at least maxed out this incentive at $3.85 Million
-8 games played for $1,712,000
-1 sack for $100,000
Total: $7,162,000
www.overthecap.com showed $8,713,530 which is the total he could have made. After subtracting the $7,162,000 they should be able to carry over $1,551,530. He actually came close to meeting the total. There really wasn't a lot put into the sack incentives. Did I miss anything?
Add $1.5 Million to the total cap then.
P.S. What Torrag mentioned on the amount saved for draft picks reminds me that this may be off as well. My total spent on draft picks is a guesstimate. That's harder to predict so technically it could end up a wash. Might be better off leaving it be. I really wish we could edit our own OPs.
http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/new-york-giants/jason-pierre-paul/ - ( New Window )
-- Plus $2 Million up to $46 million.
-OL; If you can get Cordy Glenn from the Bills then you can cut Beatty. The difference in 2016 would be about $2 Million against the cap. Otherwise, you keep Beatty another year.
--Side note; OL next year = Beatty/Glenn - Pugh - Richburg - Schwartz/Hart - Flowers
--I believe another team takes Glenn so stay with Beatty and stay at $46 million (also saying he doesn't take a cut). They would drop down to $44 Million if Glenn is signed.
-RB; Stay the course. Really want Lamar Miller but I don't think RB is a huge need right now. Resign Darkwa to vet minimum (ERFA).
--Down to $45 million
-TE; Sign Dwayne Allen for his blocking but he can also catch. Re-sign Tye and Donnel (both ERFA BTW) to the vet minimums. Slight injury history but not expensive.
--Down to $41 Million (over estimating a little)
-WR; I'm good with Marvin Jones, Jermaine Kearse, Rishard Matthews, or Travis Benjamin. Jones I believe after this solid year he has had has put those foot and ankle injuries behind him (2014 season). Kearse and Matthews have clean histories for injuries IMHO. Kearse has caught a couple big time clutch catches. Benjamin tore an ACL in 2013 but played every game in 2014 and played great in 2015. I'll estimate for Jones (who is the average cost of all btw). I also expect Cruz to take a pay cut adding $2 million back into the cap.
--Side note; Reuben would cost more than any of the above and not worth the extra scratch IMHO.
--Down to $39 Million
-DL; Give me JPP (if he can use his hand again) "OR" Mario Williams plus Ayers. Roll with Hankins and Bromley at DT for now. Still have Odi to develop. Hoping to draft DE and DT high (first 3 rounds).
--Down to $29 Million
-LB; Hate to say it but roll with what they have. I just don't like the options here. Re-Sign Jasper Brinkley. Must sign scrapheap players here for backup. Draft.
--Down to $28 Million
-Resign Prince. His injuries don't seem that serious to me. If it was an ACL I would be more concerned. I think he can overcome them. However, I like Jerraud Powers as a cheaper alternative too. Powers would cost around $2 Million less than Prince for 2016 IMHO.
--Down to $21 Million
-Sign Tashaun Gipson, Eric Berry, or Eric Weddle. Gipson could solidify the spot for some time. Weddle would provide temporary leadership for the team. Either of them would cost around $8 Million for 2016. I'd strongly consider Walter Thurmond for a cheaper option. I think he can still play CB as well.
--Down to $13 Million
-On STs they have to bring back Wing, Brown and DeOssie. We'll say $4 million towards 2016. Neither Brown or DeOssie should break the bank and Wing is an ERFA so vet minimum.
--Down to $9 Million.
-This did not account for back loaded (Players with legit long term potential) or incentive laden (JPP, Cruz) contracts.
-Sign your JAGs. Draft money was already set aside and it should be damn near all defense BPA. Maybe a RB and/or OG in mid to later rounds.
-I'll be surprised if they get half these guys. 31 other teams might want the same players. I think it's more likely they get more players that are a tier lower than the ones I mentioned in the OP.
RB: I think they're gonna cut Andre Williams because he doesn't fit the system. It would be nice to see Forte or Miller, but i doubt they add anyone.
WR: I think Randle is gone and the look to spend some money on a wr2. I think Jeffrey will be too expensive. I think the right guy will be JERMAINE KEARSE. If it doesn't work out maybe they go cheaper with Rishard Matthews. I also think they restructure Cruz.
TE: I think they are gonna keep Tye and Donnell and use both. I don't see them bringing in anyone cuz they don't want to clog up the position.
DL: I see them re-signing JPP and Ayers. I think they will address DE in the draft. Then also sign and guy like NICK FAIRLEY or maybe Da'Quan Bowers.
LB: I think Beason is done. The main way they will address this position will be in the draft. I see them draft 1 mlb and 1 olb. If they also want a mlb via FA they wont pay for the top guy. I think the guy will be DANNY TRAEVATHAN.
DB: Firstly, Safety, I see them drafting a FS but also pay a guy in FA. I think they will go after TASHAUN GIPSON. After that they might sign a vet min guy for depth with all the injuries they've been having there. Secondly, Corner, I think they will re-sign Prince and then also go for 2 third/slot guy that can play anywhere, I see them signing BRANDON BOYKIN and JERRAUD POWERS.
These might not be the best guys available but I think this is the most reasonable thing thinking from a Jerry Reese perspective. I also think these additions will transform this team into a playoff team.
Second when he has played...at RG...he's been lousy.
Any plan to turn this guy into the starting Rt and rely on him to upgrade this Ol is a non starter.
He should be cut outright.
If we make the mistake of keeping him the only good news is there is zero chance...NONE...that this happens. Unless we get decimated by injuries and have no choice.
Unless anyone else could come up with a better option just saying no to it doesn't fix any problem on the line.
Goodbye Geoff.
Roster moves aren't made in a vacuum and Schwartz has stolen enough of the Giants money. It's time for him to go.
I think the money will go quick so the truth is they will likely only pick up a few very good players and some average ones. I like some of what you said. I have a couple issues though.
OL: Schwartz (our current Schwartz) is terrible at tackle. He's a backup for Guard or Tackle IMHO but they may have to keep him at Guard. I'm hoping Hart can beat him out. He seemed to play well in the limited snaps he got to play. I really think they will keep Beatty and like everyone else, I'm hoping he takes a cut. Glenn wants too much and the Bills will keep him anyway.
RB: I think they roll with Jennings, Vereen, and Darkwa. I agree with letting Williams go. I have nothing against him it's just he's not a west coast back. I think there is already too much money in this position right now. I'd love Miller but they can't spend the money.
WR: I really like Kearse and would be happy replacing Reuben with him. I don't agree that Rishard Matthews would be cheaper. Not sure how you came to that. Matthews has the higher production thus higher value. I'd rather take Marvin Jones or Travis Benjamin I think but Kearse would be the cheapest.
TE: Donnell and Tye will already be pretty cheap. I think this is a spot to put some money in. They need a TE that can block as well as catch.
DL: Agreed with JPP and Ayers. If JPP goes or they don't like his recovery, look into Mario Williams.
LB: No to Danny Trevathan. Too big an injury risk. We have enough of our own injury problems at LB. I'm not happy with anything out there in FA. Have to roll with our own injury risks and hoping a couple decent draft picks. Maybe the new strength and conditioning coach can help this.
DB: Tashaun Gipson, yes. Prince, sure. I like Jerraud Powers but probably not needed if we re-sign Prince. I'd like Thurmond Thomas back. You get a player that can backup safety, CB, or maybe a starting role.