The Panthers, having parted ways with Steve Smith, seemingly want and need Hakeem Nicks as a replacement, but there now appears to be competition for the one-time feared Giants receiver.
Nicks told ESPN he was headed to Indianapolis on Thursday night for a meeting with the Colts. In addition to the Colts and Panthers, the Chargers and 49ers are also interested.
In an Instagram message, Nicks’ father stated his son had signed with his hometown team, the Panthers, but that message was quickly retracted.
As Nicks became a free agent, the Giants have shown almost no interest in re-signing him. The Panthers emerged as the logical landing spot. They need help at receiver, especially after releasing Smith, one of the most prolific and popular players in franchise history. Nicks makes sense. He starred in at Independence High School in Charlotte and in college at North Carolina.
Dave Gettleman, the Panthers general manager, is a former Giants personnel executive and knows Nicks well.
Before waiving Smith, Gettleman tried to trade the soon-to-be 35-year old, who is getting $5 million in guaranteed money and deferred bonus money.
Nicks recently stated he would love to play for a team with an established quarterback, mentioning the Panthers with Cam Newton, the Chargers with Philip Rivers and the Colts with Andrew Luck.
LB Jon Beason’s contract is for three-years and $19 million, with $7 million in guaranteed money. It’s a strong deal for Beason, 29, especially considering he negotiated it himself. Clearly, the Giants were impressed with last season’s 11-game trial.
The Giants never got close to signing WR Jacoby Jones, who signed a four-year, $12 million deal to stay with the Ravens. The Giants really wanted Jones. He toured the Giants practice facility on Wednesday and met with coaches. He was headed to dinner with Giants personnel when he had a change of heart and told his driver to head to Newark International Airport.
“Honestly, when I was in New York, I was walking around and I think I came to my senses, really. I wasn’t even thinking about the money,’’ Jones said. “It’s the fact that this is probably the only place that will let me be myself. The city, the state, the organization, the coaches, they know I kind of don’t have it all up here, up top – some loose ends – and they all accept that.”
Jones said the deal he received from the Ravens was not as much as another deal he was offered — presumably the offer from the Giants.
The Giants had some interest in WR Ted Ginn Jr., but he signed a three-year deal with the Cardinals. … The Giants-resigned FB Henry Hynoski (one year, $1 million) and he will compete with John Conner for a roster spot. … The Giants had some interest in TE Andrew Quarless but he re-signed (two years, $3 million) with the Packers.