Possible Giants' Free-Agent Target: Vonta Leach
by Ed Valentine on Jul 6, 2011 9:36 AM EDT
in New York Giants News
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PrintIt seems unlikely that Madison Hedgecock will return to the New York Giants in 2011. Bear Pascoe, a tight end by trade, did an adequate job replacing Hedgecock at fullback a season ago, and as things stand with the Giants roster right now Pascoe seems heading toward becoming a full-time fullback.
If Pascoe plays fullback, the Giants would seem to still need a blocking tight end. If, however, the Giants could find a fullback via free agency whenever the market opens, Pascoe could fill that role.
Enter Vonta Leach. The 29-year-old Houston Texans fullback, an All-Pro in 2010, will be a free agent. The Texans want Leach back, but he reportedly wants to be the league's highest-paid fullback and Houston might be reluctant to pay that price.
Would the Giants be willing to do it? That, of course, remains to be seen. It is, however, worth considering.
Let's remember that the Giants have tried to get the 6-foot, 246-pound roadgrader of a fullback before. Back in March of 2007 the Giants signed Leach, then a restricted free agent, to a four-year, $8 million offer sheet. The Texans chose to match, and the Giants were fortunate to pick up Hedgecock early that season after the St. Louis Rams let him go.
Leach, a seven-year veteran, was voted All-Pro for the 2010-2011 season for his work helping to clear the way for Houston's Arian Foster to amass 1,616 yards rushing in 13 games.
Let's acknowledge that one of the complaints about the Giants offense for years has been an inability to consistently convert in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Having a tight end playing out of position at fullback, even though he did a representative job, and not having a true blocking tight end, have to be among the reasons for that difficulty.
Wouldn't Leach at fullback and Pascoe at the second tight end slot have a better opportunity of clearing space than Pascoe at fullback and Travis Beckum trying to block somebody in short yardage?
Leach was the No. 3 ranked fullback in the NFL a season ago, according to Pro Football Focus. His overall grade was +5.2. He had a down 2009, finishing with a -7.4, but in 2008 his +11.4 was second-best among fullbacks in the league. During that 2008 season Hedgecock was -4.1, according to PFF. Pascoe's 2010 grade at fullback was a respectable -1.3, good work for a guy playing a position for the first time.
Would the Giants be willing to pony up big money for Leach? I don't know that. What I do know is this is a position where the Giants could use help, and no fullback on the market offers more of it than Leach.
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Yes
I believe is high on the list. I really want him. Could you imagine what the defense might be thinking with Leach and Jacobs coming at ythem! lmao It’ll also help Bradshaw disappear on people because of Leach’s size. I think with the lack for teams that use a true fullback,we have a pretty good shot.
Never heard of them.
It just goes to show that blockers are usually only called out when they screw up.
Never heard of Greg Jones? He was a bigtime RB at Florida St, and has been a good pro.
http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/ - Eagles
http://bloggingthebeast.com/ - NFC East
Remember that stiff arm by Marshawn Lynch in the playoffs last year? Greg Jones put that to shame back in the day.
http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/ - Eagles
http://bloggingthebeast.com/ - NFC East
Hell Yea
I love it!!!
Im as REAL as it gets. Even when it comes to my own team!
by Real_McCoy on Jul 6, 2011 9:49 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
nope, Greg Jones is the highest
He got a monstrous deal in 2008, though reports are that he has to restructure his contract, otherwise the Jags might cut him
Keep Jose Reyes, Trade Fred Wilpon
by BigBlueIntervention on Jul 6, 2011 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Leonard Weaver
3/5/2010: Signed three-year, $11.2 million contract. The deal contains $6.5 million guaranteed, including all of his first- and second-year salaries. Another $700,000 is available through performance-based incentives. 2011-2012: $2.5 million, 2013: Free Agent
http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/ - Eagles
http://bloggingthebeast.com/ - NFC East
Thanks
I had a feeling I was missing somebody.
by Ed Valentine on Jul 6, 2011 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
No problem. Even the best FBs don’t make a ton of money. It’s the one position I think the Giants could overpay for a great player and not have it kill the already limited cap space they have. I agree Leach would be a perfect fit (even wrote about it myself, haha). As BBI noted below, in Houston he saw the field on less than 40% of the Texans’ snaps, but I think their offense utilizes the FB much less than the Giants. The Giants run game just hasn’t been the same since Hedgecock… uh… hasn’t been the same.
http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/ - Eagles
http://bloggingthebeast.com/ - NFC East
You figure the Eags going to cut him?
Or ask him to restructure?
He’s probably never going to play again.
http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/ - Eagles
http://bloggingthebeast.com/ - NFC East
it is that bad?
wow, did not know that. I would say this is a grave blow to the Eagles, but lately it seem it matters not who the player is, they can always blow the Giants D out of the water with big plays.
His leg completely bent back in the wrong direction. I’d link to it, but I get a little queasy myself just watching it. The Eagles were lucky to find Owen Schmitt during the season last year. By no means is Schmitt a great FB, but was definitely adequate enough. The Eagles also drafted Stanley Havili.
Weaver was a weapon though – formerly the best FB in the game. It’s a shame – great guy, great player, but he’s probably done.
http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/ - Eagles
http://bloggingthebeast.com/ - NFC East
Weaver got pizzzaiiid for a FB
but he brings added value as a RB too.
Peyton May Have The Wins!!
But Eli Will Have The Rings!!!
His age is slight worry
but they should definitely bid for his services.
by mclaren_is_the_best on Jul 6, 2011 9:58 AM EDT reply actions
What exactly is wrong with Hedgecock?
I remember he was injured but it’s career ending?
Conan!, What is good in Football?!
Daa.... to run between the tackles,
To drive the linebackers before you,
And to hear the lamentations of the cheerleaders.
Hedgecock according to Gilbride
is one of the most punishing blockers in the NFL…..he had shoulder injuries which makes it impossible to be a FB but i expect him back at full strength, hopefully he is the same player still.
Peyton May Have The Wins!!
But Eli Will Have The Rings!!!
Saying he will be the same player
is not enough. Good blocker, could not catch a pass with a butterfly net.
Would like someone that can block and has moderate hands at least.
All the Giants should play like Mark Bavaro.
Tom Quinn Must Go!
On second thought, let's not blame players or coaches, they are not responsible. The unsupportive fans are to blame.
by UnknownJintsFan on Jul 6, 2011 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah but that falls in the pure luxury category
When you look for a Full back or you scout one you DO NOT eliminate them for bad hands, that will get you fired, you first find the best blocker, everything else after that is pure luxury IMO.
Peyton May Have The Wins!!
But Eli Will Have The Rings!!!
Hedgecock
has slid a long, long way since 2007. He has had shoulder injuries and leg injuries and he just isn’t the same player he was when the Giants signed him a few years ago.
by Ed Valentine on Jul 6, 2011 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions
bring him in if we have some free money
would be a scary combo with Jacobs. Also if Da’Rel Scott gets playing time, he’s got great straight line speed. if Leach could just get one good block Scott could have a big run.
+1
It would be great to have him but we have other priorities at LB and OL.
I’m afraid that his price my be too much for Big Blue. McClain could also be an option.
New York Giants French blog http://nygiantsfr.wordpress.com/ (with croissants and wine)
Are the Jets letting go of Tony Richardson?
They have the “Terminator”, who Rex will stick with just to prove he deserves being given a draft pick every year. Richardson can still play, and would be a great locker room guy.
Your First Ever Pinstripe Bowl Champions- The Syracuse Orange
by bigbluethruandthru on Jul 6, 2011 10:45 AM EDT reply actions
39 years old
That’s just what’s bothering me
New York Giants French blog http://nygiantsfr.wordpress.com/ (with croissants and wine)
Naw he is sticking with the "terminator"
because he is awesome…….Rex doesnt care if he hand picks a player, if you dont show up, he will cut that ass.
Peyton May Have The Wins!!
But Eli Will Have The Rings!!!
I don't want him.
Greg Jones in 2008 signed a 5 year, $17,000,000 contract with the Jags
to make him one of the richest FBs in the country. He’s due $3,100,000 this year but may need to take a pay cut.
Leach is getting up there in years, and has already stated he wants to be the highest paid FB in the league probably as his last big contract. To sign him, probably for $3.5 mill per…and with the signing bonus he’s going to get, add $1 mill prorated signing bonus to make it a $4.5 mill cap hit.
I’m sorry, but a cap hit of almost $5,000,000 is not worth it for a player that only saw 38% of his teams snaps last year.
Keep Jose Reyes, Trade Fred Wilpon
by BigBlueIntervention on Jul 6, 2011 10:54 AM EDT reply actions
It seems like such a good idea
Being able to run the ball, especially in the second half with a lead, is such a big part of how the Giants play. When they can’t do that all kinds of horrible things happen.
But yeah, the cost… the Giants already have a bunch of decisions to make about who to pay and who to let walk. Bringing Leach in would almost certainly add someone else to the “walk” list… so who would that be?
Personally, I’d hope they can find someone else who can be a one dimensional battering ram. If you can get 80% of the performance for 25% of the price I think thats probably a good tradeoff in this situation.
Agreed
I’d rather see a UDFA with low miles and minimum contract.
+1 to both of these
i believe the kid’s name is Hynoski.
No sense in paying premium dollars to get a guy to run into tacklers when there are so many ofthem that can get the job done well enough
Of course that is if there is a season.
Couldn't agree more
A FB is not such an important position in this passing league. You need someone but you don’t need a top player. Just someone that can block well enough to open lanes, the RB will do the rest.
I read an article telling that the Giants were running the ball more efficiently without a FB in the backfield.
I’d say that FB is 3rd on the list of priorities, maybe 4th behind LB, OL and TE.
New York Giants French blog http://nygiantsfr.wordpress.com/ (with croissants and wine)
We ran better without a FB
Because the FB we were using most of the time, Hedgecock, was playing like such garbage he was doing more harm than good.
He's an athletic Fullback
He can catch the ball, run the ball, and blocks like a madman. Potential Peyton Hillis maybe.
I like the idea
of Leach, but I think I’d rather go with Hynsoki.
Also, Charles Scott (former RB out of LSU, currently on the Giants practice squad) is an option at 6’ 240, he’s got the size, and he was a pretty punishing runner at LSU IIRC.
I'd pass
If you’re signing a free agent FB he better be a receiving threat, if it’s cheap I’m fine with it.
If Hedgecock hadn’t ruined his shoulder he’d still be out there. I’m thinking they can find another guy like that if they really want one. Another option is to use a G as a FB, and move Pascoe to TE (for short yardage)
I'd like to see if Petrus can be used as FB in short yardage
he was, from what I read, awesome as a FB before he was moved to G at Arkansas.
by robotoverlord on Jul 6, 2011 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Interesting. Never knew he was used as fb
by NortheastKingdom on Jul 6, 2011 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd rather spend our limited FA dollars
On upgrading our aging and injured OL.
Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that."
I like Pascoe a lot for his versatility
I think it’s nice to have that big body and passing option out of the backfield. For example, I remember a few times when Pascoe lined up at FB out of the huddle , and Eli audibled to a play where Pascoe slid out to a TE spot. I don’t think Leach can do that, and I think it gives the giants a nice advantage.
Especially since DC's can't match up defensive packages based strictly on personel
I don’t think PFF’s grades reflect that versatility.
by robotoverlord on Jul 6, 2011 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions
rather spend $7.5 mill/yr on Doug Free
than $3.5 mill/yr on Vontae Leach if we really wanted to upgrade our rushing attack. Best run blocking tackle in the country and instantly shores up our OL.
Keep Jose Reyes, Trade Fred Wilpon
by BigBlueIntervention on Jul 6, 2011 3:54 PM EDT reply actions
Best run blocking tackle in the country?
Not Jake Long? or Joe Thomas?……Doug Free is not that special IMHO…..we need a Center not a tackle, we have one plus do you know what tackles go for these days??, that would be insane with some of the other people that need to be paid.
If we are just interested in spending money on a position that’s not really a “need”, i would say take a stab at Nnamdi Asomugha. Go for the GOLD.
Peyton May Have The Wins!!
But Eli Will Have The Rings!!!
PFF rated Free as the best run blocking tackle in the country
And if your hesitant on spending big on a position of need, which left tackle most definitely IS, because God knows my heart can’t take another year of Diehl (and we still dunno what we have in Beatty), plus if McKenzie is injured, Free can play right tackle too…..
WHY would we go after Nnamdi when we have 3 very good corners + Aaron Ross. Nnamdi is asking for 19 million PER YEAR! That’s more than Brady or Manning and makes him the highest paid player ever
Keep Jose Reyes, Trade Fred Wilpon
by BigBlueIntervention on Jul 7, 2011 12:20 AM EDT up reply actions
He's asking for 19 million!?
I don’t think he will get that though, bidding war or not.
Just get it done already...
that's the asking price
I’m sure that it’ll end up less than that, but he DID make $15 mill per in Oakland. and he wants a raise.
Keep Jose Reyes, Trade Fred Wilpon
by BigBlueIntervention on Jul 7, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
That's a strategy
You always ask more than you really want in a negociation. That way you give the impression that you are making concession in order to get a deal done in order to make the other party give you something in return, ie. what you really want.
I think he’ll get maybe 17 millions a year.
New York Giants French blog http://nygiantsfr.wordpress.com/ (with croissants and wine)
Of course you ask for more
in a negotiation. But 4 million more per season is crazy. For fun, I’ll bet he gets a small raise, No more than 1.5mil per year, bringing his annual average salary up to no more than 16.5 mil. Does anyone think it will be higher than that?
Just get it done already...
Why would you go with Free
over Beatty, Beatty didnt give up one sack in 5 games, is that not potential,
LT is not at all a position of need whatsoever……. Beatty is the future there and he has shown that he is up to the task but what do i know.
Peyton May Have The Wins!!
But Eli Will Have The Rings!!!
UDFA
Weren’t there a few damn fine FB prospects that went undrafted (Hynoski?)? It’s not that I don’t like the idea of signing Leach, and it does fill 2 positions in a sense (giving us a damn fine #2 TE in Bear), but as has been mentioned, I’d rather spend the money on a LB or OL depth (like Andrews’ restructured contract) and grab a UDFA FB.
Ed
Who’s the blocking fullback that you liked who went undrafted again???
I think it would be an interesting sign if they sign him as underdrafted free agent.
Think Hynoski was from Pitt. I kind of liked him too.
by NortheastKingdom on Jul 6, 2011 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes
I’ve been beating this drum for a while now. Leach is arguably the best at what he does, and he plays a position where the Giants have a need.
I don’t know if I feel comfortable entrusting an undrafted rookie – who will have considerably less preparation time than normal – with that job. And I know it was only one play, but look what happened when a rookie FB blew a blocking assignment for the Cowboys. I’d feel much more comfortable with going for a Pro Bowl caliber player than an unknown rookie.
Given the Giants’ past interest in him, I’d like to think they’ll at least strongly consider this.
The NFL and NFLPA? They can kiss my ass, OK? They can line up and kiss my ass.
If i were a "responsible" GM
I could not justify having the highest paid Fullback in the NFL. Just seems to wasteful in a hard cap league.
The guy is good but do we spend the money on the Filet Mignon or save some cash and get the T-Bone.
Of course that is if there is a season.
What else
would we be spending that money on? There are cheap options at C – the little options that exist shouldn’t be expensive at all – and LB. I don’t think there’s any position where we need to break the bank. We could sign guys like Lyle Sendlein and Quincy Black, who are both young and improving players in this league.
I don’t have a problem spending a little extra for a high quality player, even if FB isn’t perceived as a position that’s all that important. I go back to the Giants’ struggles in short yardage and closing out games the last few years and see that we have a need for a bruising FB to open up some of those lanes we haven’t seen since Hedgecock was wreaking havoc early in 2008.
The NFL and NFLPA? They can kiss my ass, OK? They can line up and kiss my ass.
And I'm sure Greg Jones and Ovie Mughelli
play a significant part in the success of the RBs they block for in MJD and Turner.
The NFL and NFLPA? They can kiss my ass, OK? They can line up and kiss my ass.
guess I'd just prefer to see it spent in the Skill positions
Our running game didn’t fail us in the least last season, with a converted TE leading the way, so my thought is that FB in Gilbride’s system is a fairly easy position to fill… I could be wrong.
So with that in mind, I’d rather see them spend big on an LB, C, or TE… or use those dollars to keep Cofield, and Osi happy.
Of course that is if there is a season.
We got yards, yes
but we also struggled pretty bad when running anywhere but to the right of the o-line behind Snee and McKenzie.
Running to the left, we were 23rd in the NFL in short yardage conversions with just 50%.
Running up the middle, we were 31st with just 50%.
I feel like if we had a more punishing running game, maybe we could have held on to the ball a little longer in Week 15 against the Eagles.
Directly, the running game may not have been a glaring weakness last season, but I don’t wanna wait until it inevitably gets worse as the o-line continues to get older.
The NFL and NFLPA? They can kiss my ass, OK? They can line up and kiss my ass.
No - FB not worth big bucks
Sign the Penn St guy for a fraction.
Leach is good – don’t get me wrong. Just not a good use of payroll.
Bring lawyers, guns and money to get me out of this one! Stand in the Fire.
In this order
1.Sign our own. Boss,AB,SS12,Deon Grant . And Try to make Osi happy
2. LG/Center
3.LB. Quincy Black/Stephen Tulloch. if ST is to much $ im ok with Goff. Black i think would slide in nicely on the Strong side.
4. if anything is left (but i don’t see it) FB.
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!!
Conversely
Signing “the highest paid FB” in the league is nothing compared to signing a big-ticket player at another position. Fullback don’t make much to begin with.
I think we could get Quincy Black or Barrett Ruud for the same amount as
Vontae Leach.
Stephen Tulloch would cost maybe a mill more.
Personally, I’d rather have a shiny new LBzez and let Bear Pascoe or Henry Hynoski become our fulltime fullback
Keep Jose Reyes, Trade Fred Wilpon
by BigBlueIntervention on Jul 7, 2011 10:42 AM EDT reply actions
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