The old saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’’ doesn’t have any bearing on what comes next for the Giants. The NFL free agency signing period begins Tuesday and the marching orders to general manager Jerry Reese from co-owner John Mara go something like this: “It’s broke … fix it!’’
Especially in need of repair is the offense, and that’s where the Giants must start the rebuilding process. They are in dire need of help along the line — Eli Manning was sacked a career-high 39 times — and at running back, where David Wilson is coming off neck surgery and cannot be counted on. Not to mention at tight end — there is none — and at receiver, where it’s Victor Cruz and, well, Victor Cruz, as Hakeem Nicks has almost definitely played his last game in Giants blue.
It’s not a pretty picture, which is why the open market, followed by the NFL Draft, must work in concert to provide an injection of talent to what at present is an unimpressive roster.
The key questions entering free agency:
Q: Will the Giants make a big splash?
A: Figure it will be more than a ripple and less than a big splash. There’s no doubt the Giants are more dependent on free agency this year than they were in previous years, as there are gaping holes on their roster and so many players to replace. They do not merely need to add to their depth; they need to add starters and not only to rebuild the offense. They’ve got holes at linebacker, cornerback and most likely defensive tackle. The draft can help only so much. It’s time for the Giants to get busy in free agency.
Q: Will they definitely try to rebuild the broken offensive line?
A: There’s no doubt about it. At the moment the only guy the Giants can count on as a reliable starter is Justin Pugh. Left tackle Will Beatty is coming off a lousy season and a broken leg, right guard Chris Snee is coming off hip and elbow surgery and center David Baas, if he’s back, is again coming off multiple surgeries. Even if they strike gold in the draft and land a rookie capable of moving right in, another imported starter is a necessity, not a luxury. Look for a versatile young veteran who can play multiple spots to come aboard.
Q: In other years the Giants attempted to keep many of their own players. Is that the case this time around?
A: You come off a 7-9 season, there’s less of an inclination to keep the old gang together, and of their 27 free agents, expect no more than 10 to return. It’s time for the cutting of the cord that tethered this team to the Super Bowl triumphs. Sentiment gets replaced by a harsh reality: The Giants did not make the playoffs in four of the past five seasons and therefore no one is untouchable.
Q: Are there one or two players the Giants can least afford to lose?
A: The re-signing of linebacker Jon Beason is a must. He arrived via a steal of a trade — a seventh-round pick shipped to the Panthers — and fit better than even the most optimistic projections could have predicted. A defense has to have a voice and a leader in the middle of things, and in 2014 and beyond, it must be Beason. It would be unwise to understate the value of defensive tackle Linval Joseph, who will cash in with a nice payday from someone out there. It probably won’t be the Giants because of the price tag, but that will be a mistake, as you don’t get cheap when it comes to a durable youngster who can stop the run. Justin Tuck should end his career with the Giants, but he’s coming off a strong year and there will be suitors.
Q: Do the Giants have enough money to get done all they need to get done?
A: Not really, but no one wants to hear the Giants moan about the salary cap. They enter free agency about $19 million under the cap and can gain more space whenever they rework the deals of Chris Snee and David Baas (if Baas is agreeable to it). The Giants cannot load up on one big-ticket player, but here’s where general manager Jerry Reese has to spread the dollars around to maximize his spending.
Potential targets
Ben Tate, RB (Texans): Filled in quite well for injured Arian Foster before some busted ribs ended his 2013 season. Solid runner who can pass protect and is only 25.
Geoff Schwartz, OL (Chiefs): A 340-pound guard who at age 27 has plenty of years left in him.
James Starks, RB (Packers): New Giants offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo knows all about Starks, who showed enough flashes to make him intriguing.
Jermichael Finley, TE (Packers): Great talent, but is coming off neck surgery. McAdoo was his position coach in Green Bay.
Evan Dietrich-Smith, C (Packers): Started all 16 games in 2013 for Green Bay, gained the trust of Aaron Rodgers, is just 27 and would be a smart signing if David Baas does not return — and maybe even if Baas does stay around.