The Giants last year in free agency appeared to hit the lottery, collecting four veterans to bolster a defense that headed into training camp seemingly loaded at every position. But none of the four imports panned out — injuries did in Chris Canty, Michael Boley, Rocky Bernard, and C.C. Brown — and the defense crumbled.
The signing period begins at midnight tonight and the teams that strike quickly will be deemed big winners, even though history indicates that’s often not the case. As an intriguing twist there’s no salary cap for the first time since 1993 and how that affects the marketplace is anyone’s guess.
“We’ll spend where we have to spend,” general manager Jerry Reese said. “We have a budget. We’ll try to stick to our budget, but if we have to spend on a guy, we’ll do that.”
There is much less quality and depth on this year’s market, as 206 players who were supposed to be unrestricted free agents will now be restricted because there’s been no extension to the collective bargaining agreement.
This could be a wild opening few days as general managers fall over themselves fighting for the available talent scraps. Reese is under no illusion that he can blame the terrible 2009 defensive performance solely on bad breaks and injuries. Reese sounds as if he knows what positions need help, and he’s going to make a strong push to remedy the situation with free-agent signings.
The more holes the Giants can fill now means they will have more freedom during the NFL Draft to bolster their entire roster without having to target specific and glaring needs.
Karlos Dansby (Cardinals) and Gary Brackett (Colts) are the best inside linebackers and making a push for one of them makes sense, though Dansby is likely to break the bank on a great deal for a very good player. Whether it is in free agency or the draft, the Giants must import another option as a middle linebacker replacement for released Antonio Pierce, as holdovers Jonathan Goff and Chase Blackburn do not exactly inspire confidence.
“There are some holes we need to fill defensively,” Reese said. “If there’s a guy on the roster we don’t see yet that emerges, fantastic. But we’re definitely not going to depend on that.”
For a big splash, the Giants could look to sign Darren Sharper, perhaps the best ball-hawking safety of his generation. Sharper is 34 years old, but he is coming off a nine-interception season for the Super Bowl champion Saints.
Defensive end Julius Peppers, one of the most high-profile players ever to hit the open market, could command $18 million a year on a deal that is sure to top $100 million and could include $40 million in guaranteed money. The Giants, according to someone with knowledge of their free-agency plans, are not interested in shelling out that kind of cash, and they probably would be tempted by Peppers only if they believe the Osi Umenyiora situation will deteriorate.
In house, the Giants have four unrestricted free agents — quarterback David Carr, defensive tackle Fred Robbins, linebacker Danny Clark and punter Jeff Feagles. They want Carr and Feagles back and will part ways with Clark and Robbins. Carr, though, reportedly has attracted strong interest from the Cardinals, who want to bring him in as a backup to Matt Leinart now that Kurt Warner has retired.
Carr loved his time with the Giants, but he wants a chance to start, something he doesn’t have playing caddy to Eli Manning. Arizona would present a much better scenario for Carr. That would leave a hole at backup quarterback. Fifth-round draft pick Rhett Bomar spent his rookie year on the practice squad and can’t be expected to move into the No. 2 spot. A veteran would have to be signed.
Would the Giants kick the tires on 39-year old Mark Brunell, coach Tom Coughlin’s former quarterback with the Jaguars? Other free agent options include A.J. Feely, Rex Grossman and Kyle Boller.