Giants getting ready to say goodbye to Strahan?

by Ed Valentine on May 16, 2008 7:00 AM EDT in New York Giants News

No one in a position of authority with the New York Giants is going to say it, but from here it seems pretty obvious the team is preparing for life after Michael Strahan.

How else do you explain the drafting of Robert Henderson, who would seem to have no shot to make the team if Strahan is in uniform? The drafting of two linebackers who would seem to make it OK to move Mathias Kiwanuka back to defensive end if the need arose? The fact that veteran defensive end Renaldo Wynn, who played for Tom Coughlin in Jacksonville, visited yesterday and could sign with the team soon?

Strahan is, arguably, the second-best defensive player in Giants' history behind Lawrence Taylor. I have been hoping, and will continue to hope, that he returns for a 16th season. The way he played last year, with 9 regular-season sacks, you know he still has the ability.

Strahan was coy Wednesday night when asked -- again -- whether he plans to play this season.

"I'll be honest with you, I pretty much know what I'm going to do right now," Strahan said. "But you know what the thing is? If I say it, I can't change my mind. So I would rather wait until I know I'm 100% sure that when I say what I'm going to do, I'm going to do it."

Maybe I'm reading too much into Strahan's comments. Obviously, all we can do until he makes a definitive announcement is speculate on what we think he is going to do.

To me, though, Strahan sounds like a guy who is ready to take his Super Bowl ring and his 141.5 career sacks and go home.

If that is ultimately what he decides to do, I certainly couldn't blame him for that. He has certainly earned it.

[NOTE: Voting has closed for the second cornerback position on the Big Blue View All-Time Giants Team. I will announce the winner, and open voting for the last safety position, over the weekend.]

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Right

I’ve said before that it feels like he’s not coming back. It appears that the Giants have told him they’re willing to give him more money, so that’s not an issue anymore. I also don’t think he just wants skip camp again, but of course that’s just a guess. I just get the sense that this time around he’s really considering it. I’m going to miss him. He’s not only the 2nd best defensive player, but he’s also been THE best player on the Giants for many of the years that he’s been here.

by potroast on May 16, 2008 7:32 AM EDT reply actions

No matter

what Michael does or doesn’t do this year the Giants must prepare for life after Strahan. He’s been around for enough time that it’s surprising that he can even hold up for a season never mind at the level he rounded in to last year. I’m actually hoping he holds out most of camp again for just this reason.
Heading up to marthas vineyard fishing for a week to torture all the Patriot fans( I have friends up there who annually leave new england paraphernalia in my luggage) wearing my 19 and 0 hat and the few t-shirts. Ed please put in a vote for Spider Lockhart for me.

We're only gonna score 17 points?

by big blue wrecking crew on May 16, 2008 7:37 AM EDT reply actions

Ahh, Spider

One of the best names in Giants history.

by Ed Valentine on May 16, 2008 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions

Ouch, those dreaded 19-0 jersies

Have fun fishing on Mahtha’s Vinyud. Hopefully you don’t wake up duct taped to your bed or something; those Pats fans can be nasty! ;-)

by MaPatsFan on May 16, 2008 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Hey Ma

I haven’t properly congratulated you on taking over Pats Pulpit. It’s nice to actually see a friendly tone coming from over their.

by Ed Valentine on May 16, 2008 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions

Friendly Tone

Exactly what I was hoping for and thanks.

by MaPatsFan on May 16, 2008 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions

Retirement looks right, Ed, based on the $8 million Stray supposedly wants

to come back for one year. The Giants can’t afford to pay that. The personnel moves they’ve been making suggest that at the very least they’re contemplating moving Kiwi back, although with Spags it probably won’t be as simple as that.
We can look forward to enjoying Michael’s delightful personality on TV for decades to come.
Even with Stray’s departure, I expect this year’s team to be stronger than last year’s SUPER BOWL CHAMPS.

by george cronin on May 16, 2008 1:12 PM EDT reply actions