Had a good season and was supposed to build off of it. Don't know what happened to him last season but he's a big boy with some talent. Would be a great depth signing on the line.
He can play DE and move inside on passing downs. 6'7 270 and he's a good athlete. He was playing injured last year. Could be a solid rotational player.
I doubt he'd get that from the Giants, even on a one-year "prove it" type of deal. However, since OTAs have begun and he's still unsigned, my guess is he'd sign for a lot less than that.
Giants will host free agents Devin Taylor, Gerald Hodges, reports say Â
Former Lions defensive end Devin Taylor will make a free agent visit to the Giants on Monday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Giants are also scheduled to host linebacker and Paulsboro, N.J., native Gerald Hodges on Tuesday, according to Pro Football Talk. Hodges has been on a visit tour of late, and is said to be in Buffalo with the Bills on Monday.
The question is whether he can be had for backup money. If not, there are probably higher priorities for cap dollars.
If the interest in Taylor is serious, Wynn and Odighizuwa should start thinking about their next career move. Moss is almost assured of a roster spot, and Okwara was moving up the depth chart in December and January. How many DEs can the team carry behind Pierre-Paul and Vernon?
He can play DE and move inside on passing downs. 6'7 270 and he's a good athlete. He was playing injured last year. Could be a solid rotational player.
Hello Taylor, bye-bye OWA.
Hello Hodges, bye-bye JT Thomas.
The more solid depth we have; the more guys challenging for playing time; the better off we are. The NFL is a marathon and we can use players IF healthy & ready to go.
I remember him being a Rutgers commit before the great 2009 decommit-apocolypse that altered the course of the program (along with Kyle Flood's horrendous coaching)
Taylor was part of my suggest offseason acquistions Â
He will provide excellent depth and on 3rd and long move inside. We will be loaded at DE with JPP, OV, Moss, Okwara making Wynn and OO bubble players this summer.
I remember him being a Rutgers commit before the great 2009 decommit-apocolypse that altered the course of the program (along with Kyle Flood's horrendous coaching)
What could the Giants offer?
The more pass rush we get the better.
Be a great rotation guy.
Spags will know how to get the best from all.
Hope the don't let him out of the building.
LBs are the weakest part of the team. Even weaker than the OL. Especially Casillas at the WILL. Hodges can play all three spots.
LBs may be the weakest part of the defense, but that's because the Giants prioritize their D-Line and Secondary over their LB corps. Right or wrong, that's been their MO for a long time. I would expect them to put a greater emphasis on a DE instead of an LB, no matter how versatile he is.
Hodges is an inside linebacker by trade. He played well for the 49ers last season, finishing with 80 tackles and three sacks in 15 games (12 starts). He will likely be looking for a starting opportunity when choosing his new team. If the Giants were to give him one, it would likely be a shot competing with incumbents B.J. Goodson and Keenan Robinson for the starting middle linebacker job.
it is bad news for Wynn not Odi. Unless Odi's desire to play football has diminished then Reese will likely give him another season to prove himself since last year was essentially his rookie season. Wynn has done very little and is a similar but lesser player than Taylor. I expect the Giants to keep 5 DE's and they will likely be Vernon, JPP, Moss, Okwara/Odi, and Taylor if he signs. It wouldn't shock me if they ended up keeping 6 and tried to trade Okwara or Odi at the end of the preseason.
to sign Taylor to a one year prove it contract? On one hand it doesn't seem like a very Reese like thing to do. Conversely, maybe they've seen enough or that Wynn will be the odd man out.
Thomas's value is a veteran backup and a good locker room presence. People are getting hung up about his contract but it will almost definitely go down as it went down last year also. Hodges is younger and healthier. I'm not big on him impeding Goodson's progress though.
Wynn's contract is an outlier. If he was worth that, JPP and Vernon should not have had to play that much. I think Taylor (if healthy), would definitely make him obsolete.
to sign Taylor to a one year prove it contract? On one hand it doesn't seem like a very Reese like thing to do. Conversely, maybe they've seen enough or that Wynn will be the odd man out.
Owa brings nothing to the table. Nothing. Classic example of "looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane." Eclipsed on the depth chart by a 22-year old rookie UDFA who was as raw as they come.
If I'm Jerry Reese, I cut bait with him now.
Of course, I'm not Jerry Reese, nor am I anything close to a capologist, so I don't know what the financial ramifications would be.
to sign Taylor to a one year prove it contract? On one hand it doesn't seem like a very Reese like thing to do. Conversely, maybe they've seen enough or that Wynn will be the odd man out.
Owa brings nothing to the table. Nothing. Classic example of "looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane." Eclipsed on the depth chart by a 22-year old rookie UDFA who was as raw as they come.
If I'm Jerry Reese, I cut bait with him now.
Of course, I'm not Jerry Reese, nor am I anything close to a capologist, so I don't know what the financial ramifications would be.
Why cut him now? They have 90 rosters spots and last season was essentially Odi's rookie season. He was a 3rd round pick for a reason. He was raw coming out also and almost missed his entire rookie season. Let's see how he performs during training camp and the preseason before we write him off.
Owa brings nothing to the table. Nothing. Classic example of "looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane." Eclipsed on the depth chart by a 22-year old rookie UDFA who was as raw as they come.
If I'm Jerry Reese, I cut bait with him now.
Of course, I'm not Jerry Reese, nor am I anything close to a capologist, so I don't know what the financial ramifications would be.
Why cut him now? They have 90 rosters spots and last season was essentially Odi's rookie season. He was a 3rd round pick for a reason. He was raw coming out also and almost missed his entire rookie season. Let's see how he performs during training camp and the preseason before we write him off.
Because I'm tired of keeping guys around who don't produce, hoping against hope that they'll somehow turn into something useful, when there are alternatives.
Owa wasn't raw coming out (not nearly as raw as Okwara). He was second-team All-Pac 12 as a senior. He dropped because his medicals were a huge red flag.
And after the twitter drama of a few weeks ago? Who needs the aggravation?
At each position by the end of preseason. A WR, a RB, an o-lineman, a d-lineman, a LB, a DB. Maybe bottom of the roster players but someone of some value.
So keeping at least one extra 53-roster caliber player at each position makes sense to me.
Jay, I think I'm just getting cranky in my old age. Â
he's still learning a new position at the NFL level. No doubt the personality and want-to stuff needs to be flushed out, but if you sign Taylor let them slug it out on the field and figure out if you've got enough roster-wide depth now to keep an extra DL rather than a TE.
The question is can you afford signing BOTH without cutting or reducing the salary of JT Thomas?
I don't think you cut LB Thomas or DE OWA just yet, let them go to camp and compete. I am hoping OWA develops as an interior spot pass rusher at least, spelling DT Tomlinson on 3rd and long.
As for DE Wynn, he is a solid special teamer and can hold his ground against the run which is why he was kept. He is, however, expendable should Taylor be signed and OWA finally steps up.
So at the moment, I'm just praying we can sign both Hodges and Taylor cause they'd both improve this team.
The question is can you afford signing BOTH without cutting or reducing the salary of JT Thomas?
I don't think you cut LB Thomas or DE OWA just yet, let them go to camp and compete. I am hoping OWA develops as an interior spot pass rusher at least, spelling DT Tomlinson on 3rd and long.
Availability is the best ability. When was the last time JT Thomas was on the football field? He is useless and has been "stealing" our salary cap money for years. Enough of that China-doll already. Owa has done has done absolutely nothing as a Giant. He has been passed by Okwara (an Undrafted pick). What has he ever done as a Giant? Besides, his off-season Twitter rant makes me nervous. Is he committed? Can we trust him? Is he going to quit on us? When do the Giants cut their losses?
The question is can you afford signing BOTH without cutting or reducing the salary of JT Thomas?
I don't think you cut LB Thomas or DE OWA just yet, let them go to camp and compete. I am hoping OWA develops as an interior spot pass rusher at least, spelling DT Tomlinson on 3rd and long.
Availability is the best ability. When was the last time JT Thomas was on the football field? He is useless and has been "stealing" our salary cap money for years. Enough of that China-doll already. Owa has done has done absolutely nothing as a Giant. He has been passed by Okwara (an Undrafted pick). What has he ever done as a Giant? Besides, his off-season Twitter rant makes me nervous. Is he committed? Can we trust him? Is he going to quit on us? When do the Giants cut their losses?
I wanted JPP to stay but if he did go i was thinking signing both Taylor and William Gholston would be a good alternative. Two players to fill the spot of one (JPP).
Wondering what the money is?
Think certain players with the right attitude and skill set, Â
who have not played to potential, might thrive in a Spagnuolo plan. Spags knows his defense and what he needs from his players. Great combo we have with him and McAdoo. The front office mess "forgetaboutit" ELI stay healthy.
Both of these guys would be very good additions and improve the teams depth greatly. That would be our third best defensive end on the team and if JPP or Vernon did go down he would fill in almost seamlessly if he can get up to speed quickly with the playbook. Cutting Thomas would then be a no brainer and would help pay for these guys.
RE: Jay, I think I'm just getting cranky in my old age. Â
I am frustrated with Odi too but I would hate to cut him now and see him catch on with another team and break out. I was ecstatic when the Giants took Odi because I thought we might have just gotten another Justin Tuck value in round 3. I wasn't condoning keeping him around if he doesn't earn the roster spot. I just believe that he should be given the entire preseason to prove himself. Who else could the Giants sign that has his upside at his salary.
RE: RE: Jay, I think I'm just getting cranky in my old age. Â
I am frustrated with Odi too but I would hate to cut him now and see him catch on with another team and break out. I was ecstatic when the Giants took Odi because I thought we might have just gotten another Justin Tuck value in round 3. I wasn't condoning keeping him around if he doesn't earn the roster spot. I just believe that he should be given the entire preseason to prove himself. Who else could the Giants sign that has his upside at his salary.
Meh. Cheap crap is still crap. :D
Hey, PMS! Would you say the same thing about Jay Bromley?
In on a 2 to 3 year deal rather then the 1 year deals we seems to always dish out. He's young, big, athletic that can strive in Spags system. He is much better then Wynn and Odi
either of these guys will be signed. Giants will not offer them the money or the playing time they want. I Really hope I am wrong in both cases.
I sort of agree. I mean, they have potential starting talent and they won't likely start here, though Hodges could over Casillas, JT Thomas I'd think.
But a man can dream and if we could sign both Taylor and Hodges, this defense would become superbly deep overnight. The rotation on the DL would keep everyone fresh for the year.
either of these guys will be signed. Giants will not offer them the money or the playing time they want. I Really hope I am wrong in both cases.
I sort of agree. I mean, they have potential starting talent and they won't likely start here, though Hodges could over Casillas, JT Thomas I'd think.
But a man can dream and if we could sign both Taylor and Hodges, this defense would become superbly deep overnight. The rotation on the DL would keep everyone fresh for the year.
I think we have a reasonable chance of signing one or both.
How free agency has panned out, they are not likely to get substantial deals. The Giants did have a dominant defence last year; both could play key roles and upgrade in what could be a really good unit.
I could see both on a one year prove it deal not unlike what we did with D.J Fluker with a view to cash in next year.
Link - ( New Window )
Had a good season and was supposed to build off of it. Don't know what happened to him last season but he's a big boy with some talent. Would be a great depth signing on the line.
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LB Gerald Hodges visits Bills today, Giants tomorrow per source.
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LB Gerald Hodges visits Bills today, Giants tomorrow per source.
I like Hodges. Rather see them sign him than Taylor. Greater need.
Can never have too many Taylors
- more by Dan Duggan -
Link - ( New Window )
If the interest in Taylor is serious, Wynn and Odighizuwa should start thinking about their next career move. Moss is almost assured of a roster spot, and Okwara was moving up the depth chart in December and January. How many DEs can the team carry behind Pierre-Paul and Vernon?
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LB Gerald Hodges visits Bills today, Giants tomorrow per source.
I like Hodges. Rather see them sign him than Taylor. Greater need.
Is it really, though?
The Giants defense depends more on a strong DE rotation than it does on good LB play, especially when they'll be in sub-packages more often than not.
I like Okwara and I think the Giants do, too, and they did draft Avery Moss, but Wynn and Odighizuwa are, in my opinion, eminently replaceable.
Taylor would be an absolute upgrade in that regard.
Taylor will push Wynn and Odiggy hard. Hodges may be vying for the backup MLB job.
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In comment 13478156 Aaron Thomas said:
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LB Gerald Hodges visits Bills today, Giants tomorrow per source.
I like Hodges. Rather see them sign him than Taylor. Greater need.
Is it really, though?
The Giants defense depends more on a strong DE rotation than it does on good LB play, especially when they'll be in sub-packages more often than not.
I like Okwara and I think the Giants do, too, and they did draft Avery Moss, but Wynn and Odighizuwa are, in my opinion, eminently replaceable.
Taylor would be an absolute upgrade in that regard.
LBs are the weakest part of the team. Even weaker than the OL. Especially Casillas at the WILL. Hodges can play all three spots.
Hello Hodges, bye-bye JT Thomas.
The more solid depth we have; the more guys challenging for playing time; the better off we are. The NFL is a marathon and we can use players IF healthy & ready to go.
Hoping for the best here...lets do this
Yes. He went to Paulsboro HS.
The more pass rush we get the better.
Be a great rotation guy.
Spags will know how to get the best from all.
Hope the don't let him out of the building.
LBs are the weakest part of the team. Even weaker than the OL. Especially Casillas at the WILL. Hodges can play all three spots.
LBs may be the weakest part of the defense, but that's because the Giants prioritize their D-Line and Secondary over their LB corps. Right or wrong, that's been their MO for a long time. I would expect them to put a greater emphasis on a DE instead of an LB, no matter how versatile he is.
- more -
Could N.J. native Gerald Hodges get added to Giants' middle linebacker mix? - ( New Window )
Wynn's contract is an outlier. If he was worth that, JPP and Vernon should not have had to play that much. I think Taylor (if healthy), would definitely make him obsolete.
Owa brings nothing to the table. Nothing. Classic example of "looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane." Eclipsed on the depth chart by a 22-year old rookie UDFA who was as raw as they come.
If I'm Jerry Reese, I cut bait with him now.
Of course, I'm not Jerry Reese, nor am I anything close to a capologist, so I don't know what the financial ramifications would be.
Quote:
to sign Taylor to a one year prove it contract? On one hand it doesn't seem like a very Reese like thing to do. Conversely, maybe they've seen enough or that Wynn will be the odd man out.
Owa brings nothing to the table. Nothing. Classic example of "looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane." Eclipsed on the depth chart by a 22-year old rookie UDFA who was as raw as they come.
If I'm Jerry Reese, I cut bait with him now.
Of course, I'm not Jerry Reese, nor am I anything close to a capologist, so I don't know what the financial ramifications would be.
Why cut him now? They have 90 rosters spots and last season was essentially Odi's rookie season. He was a 3rd round pick for a reason. He was raw coming out also and almost missed his entire rookie season. Let's see how he performs during training camp and the preseason before we write him off.
Owa brings nothing to the table. Nothing. Classic example of "looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane." Eclipsed on the depth chart by a 22-year old rookie UDFA who was as raw as they come.
If I'm Jerry Reese, I cut bait with him now.
Of course, I'm not Jerry Reese, nor am I anything close to a capologist, so I don't know what the financial ramifications would be.
Why cut him now? They have 90 rosters spots and last season was essentially Odi's rookie season. He was a 3rd round pick for a reason. He was raw coming out also and almost missed his entire rookie season. Let's see how he performs during training camp and the preseason before we write him off.
Because I'm tired of keeping guys around who don't produce, hoping against hope that they'll somehow turn into something useful, when there are alternatives.
Owa wasn't raw coming out (not nearly as raw as Okwara). He was second-team All-Pac 12 as a senior. He dropped because his medicals were a huge red flag.
And after the twitter drama of a few weeks ago? Who needs the aggravation?
He has shown nothing...
So keeping at least one extra 53-roster caliber player at each position makes sense to me.
I don't think you cut LB Thomas or DE OWA just yet, let them go to camp and compete. I am hoping OWA develops as an interior spot pass rusher at least, spelling DT Tomlinson on 3rd and long.
As for DE Wynn, he is a solid special teamer and can hold his ground against the run which is why he was kept. He is, however, expendable should Taylor be signed and OWA finally steps up.
So at the moment, I'm just praying we can sign both Hodges and Taylor cause they'd both improve this team.
Devin Taylor and Gerald Hodges Visiting New York Giants - ( New Window )
I don't think you cut LB Thomas or DE OWA just yet, let them go to camp and compete. I am hoping OWA develops as an interior spot pass rusher at least, spelling DT Tomlinson on 3rd and long.
Availability is the best ability. When was the last time JT Thomas was on the football field? He is useless and has been "stealing" our salary cap money for years. Enough of that China-doll already. Owa has done has done absolutely nothing as a Giant. He has been passed by Okwara (an Undrafted pick). What has he ever done as a Giant? Besides, his off-season Twitter rant makes me nervous. Is he committed? Can we trust him? Is he going to quit on us? When do the Giants cut their losses?
Both.
I don't think you cut LB Thomas or DE OWA just yet, let them go to camp and compete. I am hoping OWA develops as an interior spot pass rusher at least, spelling DT Tomlinson on 3rd and long.
Availability is the best ability. When was the last time JT Thomas was on the football field? He is useless and has been "stealing" our salary cap money for years. Enough of that China-doll already. Owa has done has done absolutely nothing as a Giant. He has been passed by Okwara (an Undrafted pick). What has he ever done as a Giant? Besides, his off-season Twitter rant makes me nervous. Is he committed? Can we trust him? Is he going to quit on us? When do the Giants cut their losses?
also
I wanted JPP to stay but if he did go i was thinking signing both Taylor and William Gholston would be a good alternative. Two players to fill the spot of one (JPP).
Wondering what the money is?
I am frustrated with Odi too but I would hate to cut him now and see him catch on with another team and break out. I was ecstatic when the Giants took Odi because I thought we might have just gotten another Justin Tuck value in round 3. I wasn't condoning keeping him around if he doesn't earn the roster spot. I just believe that he should be given the entire preseason to prove himself. Who else could the Giants sign that has his upside at his salary.
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Well, that and too much cilantro in my diet.
I am frustrated with Odi too but I would hate to cut him now and see him catch on with another team and break out. I was ecstatic when the Giants took Odi because I thought we might have just gotten another Justin Tuck value in round 3. I wasn't condoning keeping him around if he doesn't earn the roster spot. I just believe that he should be given the entire preseason to prove himself. Who else could the Giants sign that has his upside at his salary.
Meh. Cheap crap is still crap. :D
Hey, PMS! Would you say the same thing about Jay Bromley?
But a man can dream and if we could sign both Taylor and Hodges, this defense would become superbly deep overnight. The rotation on the DL would keep everyone fresh for the year.
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either of these guys will be signed. Giants will not offer them the money or the playing time they want. I Really hope I am wrong in both cases.
I sort of agree. I mean, they have potential starting talent and they won't likely start here, though Hodges could over Casillas, JT Thomas I'd think.
But a man can dream and if we could sign both Taylor and Hodges, this defense would become superbly deep overnight. The rotation on the DL would keep everyone fresh for the year.
Absolutely agree. Fingers crossed.
How free agency has panned out, they are not likely to get substantial deals. The Giants did have a dominant defence last year; both could play key roles and upgrade in what could be a really good unit.
I could see both on a one year prove it deal not unlike what we did with D.J Fluker with a view to cash in next year.