With 27 players about to hit free agency and most not expected to return, the Giants are guaranteed to have a very different look in 2014. It could be that all 27 will hit the open market when the free-agency signing period begins Tuesday, ensuring an extended waiting game for those involved.
For instance, the Giants have expressed interest in re-signing running back Andre Brown and fullback Henry Hynoski — who as a restricted free agent will not be tendered — but nothing is imminent. They have some interest in the return of backup quarterback Curtis Painter but again, nothing is imminent. That, in most cases, will be the way the Giants operate as they allow the market to unfold, with $19 million in salary cap space and many holes to fill.
Of their four restricted free agents, the only one the Giants tendered thus far is linebacker Spencer Paysinger, who if he returns will make $1.431 million in 2014. Paysinger can get other offers, the Giants have the right to match, but if he leaves, they get no compensation. He’s likely to return.
Of all the Giants players set to hit the open market, the one who likely will draw the most interest is Linval Joseph, the sturdy defensive tackle, already a three-year starter in his four-year NFL career and just 25 years old. He is fully healthy and entering his prime and will be paid handsomely by someone, likely too handsomely for the Giants. Joseph wants to return, but it is reasonable to expect the Giants to be outbid for his services.
The best-case scenario for the Giants is to get middle linebacker Jon Beason safely signed before the market opens, allowing them to fill a position and get a sense of how much they need to spend on Beason before attacking free agency.
Beason recently parted ways with agent Drew Rosenhaus and will represent himself in his first foray into free agency. His return is crucial to the Giants, as the defense completely turned around when he took over. Beason, 29, started the last 11 games and the Giants went 7-4, allowing 18.3 points a game; they allowed 36.4 points in the first five games, all losses.
Beason fit perfectly into the New York sports landscape and within the Giants locker room — he emerged as an instant leader – but the Giants have so many needs sure to drain their resources that they cannot commit too much to anyone. Still, Beason is the highest priority because if he does not return there is no one to take his place. If he leaves, perhaps restricted free agent Mark Herzlich gets tendered.
It looks as if the Giants are content with allowing all or nearly all their free agents to shop themselves. That means Justin Tuck — for the first time in his career — gets to see how he’s viewed by opponents of the Giants. He wants to retire a Giant but it is certainly conceivable, coming off an 11-sack season, he will be made an offer the Giants aren’t willing to beat. Hakeem Nicks undoubtedly will find a better deal than anything the Giants allocate for him.