The New York Giants played better at the end of last season and could be in the playoff hunt with just a few free-agent additions. They are rumored to be pursuing at least one marquee player on the open market to upgrade the roster.
Continue for updates.
Sources: Giants Pursuing Backfield Upgrade
Sunday, March 8
Multiple sources tell NJ.com's Jordan Raanan that the Giants are seeking a running back who can catch the ball well. Roy Helu Jr. and Antone Smith, who played in Washington and Atlanta last year, respectively, are mentioned as specific options New York is pursuing.
Helu is a bit more built for a heavier workload, though he'd vie for carries with Rashad Jennings and Andre Willliams. With just 29 career carries, Smith matches his age with that number, but he's averaged 9.9 yards per tote and had three touchdowns on just 13 receptions and 222 yards receiving in 2014.
If the plan is to have Jennings and Williams pound the rock, Smith seems like a more effective change-up on paper, though Helu has a longer record of production and actually being in the NFL.
As deep as this running back class is perceived to be, rookies have a steep learning curve in terms of grasping the playbook and especially catching on in pass protection. First-year tailbacks aren't guaranteed to make an impact, and New York wouldn't add one until later in the draft.
Adding a veteran makes sense, considering the Giants already have a young runner in Williams and a potential feature back in Jennings.
Report: New York Contacts Dan Williams
Saturday, March 7
Dan Graziano of ESPN reports that the Giants have reached out to former Arizona Cardinals standout Dan Williams:
Although the current personnel suggests New York will play in a 4-3 alignment, the typical nose tackle Williams is athletic enough to play inside and start. Williams can clog running lanes with his huge frame, which is where the Giants defense needs to improve most.
As opposed to spending a boatload on someone like Ndamukong Suh, New York could land Williams at a relative bargain and utilize money elsewhere.
Report: Giants Considering Suh
Tuesday, March 3
One way New York could inject life into its roster is adding the biggest name among unrestricted free agents, past Detroit Lions star Ndamukong Suh.
Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News (h/t Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com) reveals that the Giants may be seeking to do just that this offseason:
Several NFL sources believe the Giants are considering a run at the NFL's top free agent when the start of free agency begins this Saturday. It would be an expensive move and difficult, since the Giants currently project to have only about $13 million of room under the NFL's $143.28 million salary cap.
Remember back in September 2014, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Suh was considering a move to the Big Apple's big market—be it with the Giants or the Jets.
For all the flack Suh has gotten for some of his dirty play antics, he does have a relentless motor, something recently franchise-tagged defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has struggled to show consistently.
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports hinted at the contradictory nature of the unsavory sentiment some outside of Detroit have had for Suh:
The Record's Art Stapleton also weighed in on one of Suh's potential destinations:
Financial restrictions aside, Giants general manager Jerry Reese would have to love finding a way to make this happen.
The idea of pairing Suh with Pierre-Paul would give opposing offenses in the NFC East and the rest of the league nightmares.
Unfortunately, it appears the Miami Dolphins are keen to sign Suh to a huge free-agent deal, per ESPN's Chris Mortensen .
Second-stint Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo could use some more pass-rushing talent. The 30th-ranked run defense that plagued New York a year ago would be far better with someone like Suh in the fold as well. Whatever happens, the Giants must upgrade the trenches on both sides of the ball.
from Bleacher Report http://ift.tt/1BojEbt
via IFTTT March 09, 2015 at 04:00AM
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