Decisions, Decisions: Once Lockout Ends, Giants Have Much To Do
by Ed Valentine on Jul 25, 2011 7:00 AM EDT
in New York Giants News
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If everything we have been hearing is correct, and the player reps today recommend ratifying the proposed collective bargaining agreement, teams could begin a short period of negotiations with their own exclusive free agents on Wednesday.
The New York Giants have a lot of work to do, and not much time to do it. We have talked about it here for months -- it's like we had much of anything else to do -- so we know which players the Giants major decisions revolved around. In case you have been living around a lockout rock, let me list the players about whom the Giants have choices to make:
Ahmad Bradshaw (which might force a decision about Brandon Jacobs), Osi Umenyiora, Steve Smith, Mathias Kiwanuka, Kevin Boss, Shawn Andrews, Shaun O'Hara. I am not bothering to list defensive tackle Barry Cofield, since I am pretty much certain Cofield will be bidding adieu to the Giants.
The biggest decision offensively revolves around Bradshaw. Over at SB Nation New York I recently compiled a Giants' To-Do List, and re-signing Bradshaw was at the top of my list. Here is what I wrote:
They have to get the running back's name on a contract. Period. He is their best back, he is still young and he is an explosive, unique player. The Giants cannot let him get away.
The New York Post agrees:
It’s hard to debate the importance of bringing back running back Ahmad Bradshaw, who in 2010 led the team in rushing with a career-high 1,235 yards. If he doesn’t return, the Giants must find another quality runner (DeAngelo Williams?) capable of starting, and that will cost as much or more than Bradshaw, who wants to get paid but also wants to stay.
The Star-Ledger, though, sounded a cautionary note about Bradshaw, who has been publicly flirting with the Miami Dolphins.Bradshaw has been putting the odds of him signing with the Giants at 75 percent, with a 25 percent shot of ending up in Miami. The Star-Ledger opines:
We put them closer 50-50, given Bradshaw’s lower-leg issues, fumbling problems, ever-present character concerns, a deep class of free-agent running backs and Bradshaw’s hinting he’d love to play for the Dolphins.
The foot and ankle injuries have to be a concern, as do the fumbling issues. I know Bradshaw had a checkered collegiate past, but that is the first time I have heard "character concerns" expressed about him as a Giant.
I am, however, sticking with the belief that the Giants need to keep Bradshaw. There is no guarantee they can replace his production internally or on the open market, and whatever issues they have with his injuries, fumbling or character there isn't another 25-year-old star back to be had.
The biggest decision defensively is, of course, what to do with Umenyiora. The Giants and Umenyiora need to decide quickly if they can, as John Mara urged, "work this thing out." If they can, great. If they can't then the Giants have to make sure Kiwanuka does not slip away. The Post hinted that Osi would hold out. If he threatens to do that, maybe the Giants should get what they can for him and move on. They don't have time to mess around at this point trying to appease him.
I will be back a little later with a notebook including some thoughts on the other guys, but I wanted to get this out to you.
Your thoughts?
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I agree that Bradshaw is a must resign I don’t believe he is most vital. IMO Steve Smith is most important and before anyone rips me for it let me explain. He is our biggest asset on 3rd down yes I know he has his knee to come back from his route running ability and knowing where that first down marker is should make him our number 1 priority.
by g-men_fan on Jul 25, 2011 7:32 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
AB should resign
NYG will probably not go overboard, though. Not Mara and JR’s style.
Smith and Kiwi should re-sign for fair, incentive based contracts
Cofield will move on.
Shawn and Jacobs will re-work existing deals and return
Osi will play with a chip on his shoulder
Bullock is gone.
Boss will return, no one will give him a big deal after last year
Deon Grant? Dunno. NYG need him but he wants to start, so….
Bring lawyers, guns and money to get me out of this one! Stand in the Fire.
I absolutely agree
Steve Smith is the top priority.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
(which might force a decision about Brandon Jacobs),
Jacobs plus whoever, is the Giants running game. He ain’t going nowhere.
If Bradshaw wants a ton of money… let him go.
With a tight salary cap, they can’t afford to break the bank on this one guy (who we all like but still have questions and doubts about) at the expense of the rest of the team. They still need a center, and could use a LB. If they spend too much on Ahmad we may not be able to fill other vacancies.
My list goes something like this.
Keep Osi happy- The most unique talent on this list of problems, and IMO the hardest to replace.
Keep Smith in house- even if he goes PUP for the first 6 weeks, it’s been highlighted on here about a hundred times… he is Eli’s security blanket and they aren’t the same on offense without him.
Bradshaw- see what he’s asking for and can collect from another team, hopefully teams will have concerns about teh fumbling and injuries and they can get him back without breaking the bank. If not Jacobs plus 1 doesn’t worry me a bit.
Kiwi- make the man a nice offer. If healthy hew makes that Defense scary.
The rest all fall into the lowball and see what happens category as far as I’m concerned.
Of course that is if there is a season.
I lost you at "keep Osi happy- The most unique talent on this list of problems"
I’d keep Osi under the current terms of his contract or a reasonnable raise. But he doesn’t want either so let’s trade him.
He wants to be paid like a top 5 DE but he doesn’t play like it. What’s is “unique talent”? His quick first step? Yeah I’ll give him that but he is still overrated. He can’t rush inside, can’t bullrush, he is above average against the run and very inconsistent (gets FF against the Panthers but disappears against the Packers).
Osi is not the most unique talent on this list of pb IMO. Steve Smith is. Steve Smith has a unique route running skills that is vital for the Giants, Manning struggled on third downs without him.
I think that Osi should either shut up and earn the raise that he’ll get in 2012-13 or go play somewhere else. We cant ry to get a 2nd round pick in a trade.
New York Giants French blog http://nygiantsfr.wordpress.com/ (with croissants and wine)
What’s is "unique talent"? His quick first step? Yeah I’ll give him that
Yes, and all the chaos that it can create.The sacks and forced fumbles are game changers.
They are a team that is built on pass rush, so to give up one of the best pass rushers in a trade or whatever just seems dumb.
I don’t think he’ll get top 5 DE money, but a raise/extension is not out of line.
Of course that is if there is a season.
Yeah I agree but
He is a game changer against weak LTs. But unlike Tuck he can’t perform consistently against good LT.
Osi is good but not good enough to deserve a raise with 2 years left on his contract.
I would keep him for a reasonnable raise but I can’t see that happen. And even if we could work out something this season, next season he’ll be whinning again about is contract. I’m tired of Osi.
Tuck deserves a contract even more and keeps his mouth shut. But if the Giants pay Osi, you’ll soon see Tuck knocking on Reese’s door.
We have a tight cap space so we can’t afford giving Osi what he wants without sacrificing someone else. I would not let Smith, AB or Kiwi go in order to keep Osi happy. Those are game changers too. And better players too because they are more complete.
New York Giants French blog http://nygiantsfr.wordpress.com/ (with croissants and wine)
his whining is annoying
but then again I don’t deal with that end of things. I just want him on the field, in Blue, playing hard, because they are a much better team with him than without him.
The reason I say he should be the highest priority is becuase he is the one guy on the list that I feel would impact the team most negatively if he isn’t on the field with them. Followed closely by Smith, who one could argue is just as, if not more important to the offense, as Osi is to the def. The pressure he provides from the backside allows the D to do alot of different things that would not be effective without his rush.
Of course that is if there is a season.
Our pass rush was pretty good without him in 08
Tuck and Kiwi were really good. They wore down at the end of the season because they did not have anyone to make an effective rotation but we have that covered now.
And if Kiwi hadn’t been hurt last year, we wouldn’t have seen Osi on the field much. Kiwi was terrific, leading the team with sacks in the first 3 weeks (4 sacks).
I wouldn’t mind keeping Osi under the same contract terms. The reasonnable raise could be done if we deal with other FAs first and if there is still room for it.
New York Giants French blog http://nygiantsfr.wordpress.com/ (with croissants and wine)
I doubt that
we wouldn’t have seen Osi on the field much if Kiwi was healthy last season. Kiwi was standing up and playing LB on 1st and 2nd down a lot, and then moving inside on 3rd down, with Osi rushing off the edge.
by ddhamaka814 on Jul 25, 2011 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't we have been watching the same games
Kiwi did not play much as LB when he was healthy but my memory can fail me.
Anyway he got all his sacks playing as DE that I’m 100% certain
New York Giants French blog http://nygiantsfr.wordpress.com/ (with croissants and wine)
If you re-watch
the Carolina and Tennessee games you will see Kiwi standing up a lot and playing close to the LOS on running downs. Osi was probably on the field for most, if not all of his sacks..
Kiwi replaces Osi in 2012
Osi is unique but no longer young, has had injuries, has been called one dimensional and is an attitute problem waiting to happen.
If Kiwi plays well in 2011, the NYG prioritize HIM over Osi in 2012
JPP Kiwi and Tuck and maybe by then Sintim is back at a rush DE position.
Bring lawyers, guns and money to get me out of this one! Stand in the Fire.
lets see why we drafted that darel scott guy again
bradshaw was getting a decent amount of carries in his rookie year, why shouldnt scott get the same? personally, id be a little upset if we lost bradshaw, but i think we could live without him, and that hes pretty replaceable
"I like prime rib, and I'd love to win a Super Bowl" -Andy Reid
And we'll get nothing
Didn’t a bunch of our guys—Bradshaw, Colfield, Boss—go from being “restricted” free agents to “unrestricted”?
I say let AB go. Sign Brown, give Da’rel Scott some carries. And call Osi’s bluff, sick to death of his whining.
"And call Osi’s bluff, sick to death of his whining"
High five, bro! :D
New York Giants French blog http://nygiantsfr.wordpress.com/ (with croissants and wine)
Somebody is going to overpay for Bradshaw
I just have that feeling. And good for him… I’ve enjoyed watching him play, he’s a great story. I still don’t see what any of this has to do with Jacobs… force what decision? Are they going to cut him? If he reworks his contract to help free up money for Bradshaw, ok I guess but he’d be doing it to be a team guy not because he has to. Getting rid of Jacobs to give money to Bradshaw and going into the season with Bradshaw / whoever instead of Jacobs / whoever… I’m not sure the offense is really any better off (other than being younger).
Osi, geez… I guess I’m still holding out hope that all the noise we’ve heard is lockout-induced. I know the comments he made about not being able to negotiate during a lockout seemed to be totally misunderstood and blown out of proportion. If he really is that upset with his contract I don’t see what they can do but trade him.
I still think the spot I’d like to see the front office pay most attention to is the OL. Lots of guys coming off major injuries, and if those guys aren’t playing well or get hurt again it won’t matter who is in the backfield.
Character Concerns?
The guy stole a PS2 in college, years ago…he’s been a GREAT character guy on the Giants. He runs hard EVERY single play, almost to a fault (fumbles often trying to get that extra half yard). He’s been a stand up guy, and hasn’t caused any trouble. Shame on Star Ledger for writing stupid sh$t.
yea I dunno where his ever present character concerns come from
it was Garafalo that said that too and I’m surprised. Usually he at least has a clue about the Giants. I don’t think I’ll ever take him seriously after that. What a fool.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
Well, no, MG is not a fool.
He’s one of the better beat writters out there. Having said that, that statement is downright ridiculous and inaccurate. ABs been nothing but a model citizen since he’s been here. Since it’s unlike MG to make such egregious statements, I’ll give him a pass.
The football team in my school, they were tough! After they sacked the quarterback they went after his family.
by Handsome Stranger on Jul 25, 2011 6:51 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
who hasn't stolen a PS2 in college?
i know i stole several as well as at least a dozen xboxes, natch,
HELLO HELLO MR WILPON... BUY THAT MANSION. WE DONT NEED A CONDO.
PS3 actually
iirc
Self-praise is for losers. Be a winner. Stand for something. Always have class, and be humble.
-John Madden
well yeah, i've stolen many of those too
too many to count really. that’s all in addition to the heaps of ipods i’ve burgled over the years. this bradshaw college incident aint no thang.
HELLO HELLO MR WILPON... BUY THAT MANSION. WE DONT NEED A CONDO.
Osi, Osi, Osi
Every year with this stuff. If he wasnt so good he would have been gone long ago. What to do ,What to do. I would call his bluff and let him sit out this year if he wants and slap JPP into the starting role. I mean the guy did sign a pretty good contract. If he did not like the deal dont sign it. If your gonna be mad at some one Osi be mad at your agent and your self for signing the deal.
Why is Tom Quinn still here?
Osi's good
But not enough to deserve a top 5 DE contract. He has a lot flaws in his game
Since he is asking too much, then it’s time to say goodbye.
New York Giants French blog http://nygiantsfr.wordpress.com/ (with croissants and wine)
Shefter
is saying on ESPN that teams could start signing their OWN FAs today. Basically, as soon as the NFLPA approves, UDFAs and team’s own FAs can be signed, other FAs can be negotiated and signed as soon as tomorrow (again, assuming NFLPA votes yes)
Then again, ESPN also lists Osi as a player to potentially be cut. Cut? Hell, no.
Cut no, trade Yes
Tired of Osi whining and complaining, trade him, start JPP and let Bradshaw walk if he wants a crazy amount of money, his legs and fumblitus makes me concerned about a big contract that can bite us in the ass later on.
by Gary I on Jul 25, 2011 9:47 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Agreed Ed
Bradshaw is the top priority FA for us this year.
Get Better, Not Bitter.
by BigBlueIntervention on Jul 25, 2011 9:50 AM EDT reply actions
The Giants biggest sign will be the new starting Center
without that, their O will look much as it did the last 3 weeks of the season.
I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.
Sex is like math. Add the bed, Subtract the clothes, divide the legs ... And pray to god you don't multiply!!
Saw O'Hara getting off the bus for the meetings.
He looked good, but we’ll see about football good.
by Last year in Sec 127 on Jul 25, 2011 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
He could be
a casualty of the Wild Wild West, can’t keep him and Seubert, and can’t wait now!
Prove we are wrong, Tom "Medicine Man" Quinn, NOT!
by Great Gatsby on Jul 25, 2011 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
I would love for us to trade Osi, sign and start Kiwi
and unleash any combination of this on 3rd down.
JPP, Tuck, Kiwi, Austin, Sintim and Canty.
I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.
Sex is like math. Add the bed, Subtract the clothes, divide the legs ... And pray to god you don't multiply!!
Paul Dottino on twitter
Saying that the " atl-journal const. reporting falcons UFA LB Stephen Nicholas expected to land with Giants "
This guy is flying under the radar
I mean I think it’s really the first time his name has been linked to the Giants.
This could mean a good player for a reasonnable contract.
New York Giants French blog http://nygiantsfr.wordpress.com/ (with croissants and wine)
EL BEEZ!!!
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
by Rorschach44 on Jul 25, 2011 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
I would rather
have James Anderson from the Pink Panthers? If Bradshaw leaves, wouldn’t mind De Angelo
Williams either. Welcome to the new Wild Wild West!
Prove we are wrong, Tom "Medicine Man" Quinn, NOT!
by Great Gatsby on Jul 25, 2011 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
He's very fast
He’s fast enough that he’s covered Greg Jennings 1-on-1. Atlanta fans seem to like him.
I can say "Random Grass is Greener LBeezer so he must be better then what we have here!!"
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
by Rorschach44 on Jul 25, 2011 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Bradshaw
1) If he does not cure his fumbling problem, everything that he can do means little, especially to THIS team, that wants to play close to the vest.
2) Somebody is going to overpay him.
3) No matter what he does, he is still LITTLE. I think last year he showed the effects of wear and tear, he has some mileage now. He’s not a feature back.
4) Because of his size, he will never be a really effective backfield blocker.
Somebody is going to overpay for Bradshaw. I see him as a casuatly. Because of the fumbling, and because I don’t see him trying to do anything to correct it (like carrying the ball high and tight or SOMETHING different). Give me DeAngelo Williams and Jacobs all day every day as a one two punch.
1) true
2) if they do, he won’t be here
3) This means nothing, since bigger backs can get hurt too. Bradshaw avoids hits like the plague anyway, his problem is more so himself with those violent cuts.
4) LOL!!! He’s actually rated as one of the best blocking backs in the game.
Deangelo Williams is no better then Bradshaw and will probably command a higher salary. Why the hell is he even mentioned as a possibility?
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
by Rorschach44 on Jul 25, 2011 12:33 PM EDT up reply actions
DeAngelo Williams
You must not watch him very much. He hits the hole hard, fast and with power.
He’s not a dancer like AB or what Jacobs sometimes is.
I think he is much better than AB in my opinion, and IS a feature, every down back. AB has already had two broken wheels, when does that start to add up?
Whatever, you can have AB is you want. I like him too, but not with Fumbilitis – the thing to me is that Couglin cured Tiki of it – why can’t he cure AB of it?
I know Williams is good
which is why I said he’ll command a higher salary then Bradshaw. If AB cures the fumbling, which he seemed to do at the end of last year so maybe that’s cured he’s a better back then Williams since that’s all that’s holding him back.
Williams is NOT an every down back, as evidence by the Panthers spending another first round pick on a RB. Williams has also been injured plenty himself, so its not like he has a clean bill of health.
I don’t see the point of Williams. Similar to most of the LBs available, its just a grass is greener approach.
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
by Rorschach44 on Jul 25, 2011 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Yup. One the best indeed.
And extremely consistent at that too. Dunno where the heck that criticism came from.
The football team in my school, they were tough! After they sacked the quarterback they went after his family.
by Handsome Stranger on Jul 25, 2011 7:03 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Jacobs
The dude is going to be a workhorse for us this year. He proved last year that he is a better back than Bradshaw and deserves to carry the “load”. His presence puts wear and tear on the defense, there is no denying that. I was down on him for his pussyfooting to the hole the previous year. But after the early blow up last year, he simply went out and proved he was the best back on this team.
I am ready to rumble with Jacobs and I think management is too.
Vontae Leach
The Giants wanted him last time, and the Texans retained him. I watch him here in Houston, he is good no doubt.
Its a fit, but since the Giants are over the cap and Leach wants to get paid, I don’t see it as a reality. Not when we are paying 5 premium DEs.
Jason Pierre-Paul
Maybe we’re all overreacting, and Umenyiora will be happy to keep playing. I have been watching some re-runs of last season, though, and Pierre-Paul, with those long arms, can force some fumbles. Plus he is like a killer whale in a blue jersey – what a machine. I don’t think we need to increase Osi’s salary with a player like that around, and besides, we are overpaying too many people already. Need to get the salaries down, not up.
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