Going into FA I felt that the Giants’ most pressing need on the OL was RT (as it still is). In light of the crazy contracts OT‘s are signing, should get them in simply have cut Vernon to clear up $11.5 million in cap space that could have been used for a top RT?
Ziegler is a great player, but I’m thinking that upgrading RG from average (Brown) to great will not be as impactful as upgrading RT from the trash the Giants have put there the past few years.
Just some thoughts for discussion. Flame away!
I'm glad the Giants were able to get anything for Vernon, and getting a solid OG was awesome.
Lol, gotta stop using my phone for posting.
That's because Zeitler's contract for 2019 pays him 10m.
However, the fact is, Brown is a Free Agent, so technically we didn't have a RG unless you count Pulley...
So taken in that light, this is a huge upgrade.
There is still time to get a better RT. Maybe it will come in the draft. Need patience right now.
We would have probably spent the "cap savings" on Jamon Brown.
2. Which brings me to my 2nd point. Zeitler has no guarantees on the remainder of his contract now which makes him a prime candidate for restructure. I think it was mentioned that the Giants could save another $5 or $6 Million this year by restructuring his contract.
3. As Eric mentioned, you numbers off by quite a bit. I can't see now because the sites have been updated with contract changes but I seem to remember Vernon being cheaper for the Giants to trade away then to outright cut. I could be remembering incorrectly though.
4. It was close to a player for player trade. Giants' actually saved money in the process though. Signing a RT alone would have cost a lot more and they would still have to replace RG.
Next conversation... hup.
Dos tresavos of Eric's areas for improvement in Wheelers game had to do with heft and power.
Those can be improved on.
Get the man a steak or two.
Does it preclude maybe draft in one?
No. But I expect DLs of various types and LBs as priority.
No.
this x100. Zeitler is 1 of the better players at his position, hasn't missed a game in over 4 years, and can be cut without any dead money. At age 29 he could easily give us 2-3 years of solid production - you add players like that all day long however you can. Hopefully Daryl Williams is next up.
Second, we have to trust the coaches and believe OC Hilapio comes back healthy & strong. He won't be a probowl player but he should be ok. And if Pulley beats him out, well, is that a bad thing since Hilapio can play all 3 interior positions as well?
Third, yes we need a RT but I don't want to give a top RT huge money with this team. We aren't going to be that competitive in 2019 due to a lack of defensive talent.
We need a superb draft; good health; and the development of youth to step up.
My prayer is we draft a stud defender #6 who starts and stuffs both the pass and the run. In the 2nd round, we draft an OL, hopefully a RT and he is ready to start game 1 as well. Or maybe Wheeler's game improves to the point where you can at least live with him.
This offense has a real shot to be very, very good even with Eli at QB. Protect Eli; run the ball well; and, with WR Beckham and Coleman you have the deep speed to keep defenders honest when needed. And yes, I believe Coleman will be our #2 wideout in this, his breakout year. God willing!
the reason we haven't had a line in so long is because we never took the no brainer OL available before the 5th round.
Williams was taken in the 4th. 3 year starter at oklahoma. massive. guys like zeitler who are projected day two guys(zeitler went late first) aren't around anymore in the 5th 6th 7th... I swear its like Reese just wanted to look like the smartest guy in the room by plucking "sleepers"