Immediately after the thoroughly disappointing 7-9 season, Giants co-owner John Mara declared his team’s offense was “broken.’’ No area was more fractured than the offensive line, and on the first day of free agency the Giants took a step toward a quick and decisive repair job.
The Giants agreed to terms with Geoff Schwartz, who played last season for the Chiefs.
Schwartz, 27, has played for the Panthers, Vikings and Chiefs, starting 26 games in his NFL career. He is a massive man (6 feet 6, 332 pounds), and has played tackle in addition to guard.
He can plug in immediately at either guard spot, but could be an interesting option on the outside for the Giants. They believe Justin Pugh, who started every game as a rookie at right tackle, can play any position along the line other than center. Having Schwartz would give the Giants the option of playing him at guard or right tackle, allowing Pugh to perhaps move to left tackle if Will Beatty were unable to return following surgery to repair a broken leg.
The Giants want to believe Chris Snee will be able to return for a 10th season and start at right guard, but he is coming off hip and elbow surgeries. Snee has agreed to reduce his salary from $7.2 million to $1.1 million (plus $1 million in possible incentives) in order to stay on the roster.