Giants Face Many Critical Off-Season Roster Decisions
by Ed Valentine on Jan 1, 2012 10:52 AM EST
in New York Giants News
Email
PrintWe talked earlier this week about Tom Coughlin and whether or not today's outcome against the Dallas Cowboys should impact his status as head coach of the New York Giants. You guys seem to agree, as only 13 percent of those who voted in our poll said the veteran head coach should be fired if the Giants lose this evening.
Aside from Coughlin, though, there could be several Giants suiting up tonight for their final regular season games with the team. Pat Traina asked me about this in our 'Friday Five' this week, and the list of key players on the current roster who could by ex-Giants next season is jarringly long.
Among the players suiting up today, wide receiver Mario Manningham, cornerback Aaron Ross and right tackle Kareem McKenzie will all be unrestricted free agents this off-season. There is a good chance, in my mind, that none of them will be back next season.
Two key defensive players who spent the season on injured reserve -- cornerback Terrell Thomas and middle linebacker Jonathan Goff -- are also unrestricted free agents. It will be interesting to see what the Giants do with those two players. My guess? Thomas has a better chance of returning to the Giants than Goff. I think the Giants could move on with Mark Herzlich at middle linebacker, or with a high draft pick taking that spot.
Reserve wide receiver Devin Thomas and reserve lineman Stacy Andrews (currently on IR) are others who could be unrestricted free agents. Tight end Jake Ballard is a restricted free agent, and after the season he put together I can't imagine the Giants letting him get away.
Then, of course, there are plenty of veteran guys under contract who nonetheless could find themselves elsewhere next season.
What will become of Osi Umenyiora? With the emergence of Jason Pierre-Paul and with Mathias Kiwanuka having proven he is healthy would the Giants finally deal Umenyiora somewhere this off-season in exchange for a couple of draft picks? That's something they need to consider. Umenyiora might be fine with not starting Sunday night, if he plays, but he won't be happy as the third defensive end for a full season -- and if Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck are healthy that is what he is on this team.
Brandon Jacobs? He has finally come around late this season, but will the Giants continue with the Jacobs-Bradshaw running back tandem, or will they look to infuse the running game with fresh legs? If they do that, Jacobs would likely be the odd man out.
David Diehl? The long-time Giants lineman has two years left on a six-year, $31 million deal, but considering the struggles of the offensive line could the Giants look to release him, save some money and move on with a younger player like Mitch Petrus -- or a high draft pick -- in the lineup at guard? Best guess here is that the more likely scenario is one more position change for Diehl. My guess would be that McKenzie is allowed to leave, Diehl is moved to right tackle and Petrus or someone else takes over at the left guard spot.
Anyway, all of this roster intrigue will make for an interesting off-season. Let's just hope it's a few weeks before we have to start considering all of this for real.
75 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Head Scratcher
Ed, usually I’m on board with most of your comments but I really can’t understand your position on Goff. Unless his injury is to the point that it physically limits him where he is no longer effective then you are waaaaay off.
MLB is a critical position in a 4-3, or any defense really. This year we have been brutal against the run. Goff is a huge reason for that. His replacements have been getting caught up in the wash or just out of position so often that 4 yards up the middle is common place. I’m not saying he is the second coming but you are seriously selling the kid short with your comment about a high first rounder. JR needs to sign Goff as a priority (if he’s healthy) as our number #1 option at MLB next year. Sure, draft behind him, I’m all for that. However, please no rookie’s starting, haven’t we learned that lesson?
I want more JPP and I want it now!
I think the question on Goff is his speed/lateral quickness
It was never his strength, could this injury have slowed him down some more
I’ll agree with this, Goff was better last year than anything we’ve seen at MLB this season.
It’s already a wrap… might as well not show up tomorrow.
Football - It's Beyond an Addiction, It's a Way of Life.
by Eagladelphia on Sep 24, 2011 11:12 PM EDT reply actions
SEPT 25 - Giants 29 - Eagles 16
The question on Goff
Is really whether they have seen enough from Herzlich and some of the young linebackers that they want to go in that direction. The other question is how much long-term impact the knee might have on Goff.
by Ed Valentine on Jan 1, 2012 11:50 AM EST up reply actions
Aside from Williams who plays with great speed, have we seen anything from the other rookie LBz that say they are ready to start in 2012
It’s a totally unfair question, cause low round guys can improve the most from year one to year two and three, but Herz, Jones not impressive so far.
It’s already a wrap… might as well not show up tomorrow.
Football - It's Beyond an Addiction, It's a Way of Life.
by Eagladelphia on Sep 24, 2011 11:12 PM EDT reply actions
SEPT 25 - Giants 29 - Eagles 16
I don't agree Ed
We are so bad at stopping the run, I’d be very reluctant to let Goff go. I don’t think Herzlich has shown enough yet to write off Goff.
by Maryland Fan on Jan 1, 2012 12:22 PM EST up reply actions
Goff
I wouldn’t be unhappy at all if they brought him back, he’s a good player. Just a gut feeling, that’s all.
Diehl stays, McKenzie goes, and a #3 or #4 has got to be a lineman.
Guess another #1 on a cornerback, a #2 on a LB.
If we can get a #2 or #3 for Osi, then we use that on a MLB.
Oh, please
I can’t stand this we have to take position A in the first round, position B in the second round, etc., etc. That is how you completely screw up the draft.
by Ed Valentine on Jan 1, 2012 11:51 AM EST up reply actions
Me neither...the draft is not a surgical procedure..
"When I was a boy and I had no sense..I got my pecker caught in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair, tickled my balls and made me shit in my overalls..."
That's Giants circa 1976
It’s already a wrap… might as well not show up tomorrow.
Football - It's Beyond an Addiction, It's a Way of Life.
by Eagladelphia on Sep 24, 2011 11:12 PM EDT reply actions
SEPT 25 - Giants 29 - Eagles 16
I think the "draft the best athlete" over position logic isn't wrong, but it's simplistic
When you have an obvious physical talent like LT, JPP, and, even, Prince (we shall see if he learns next year), yes drafting by position is dumb. But I think in most of the time you are looking at relatively even athletes at different positions. Was JJ really the best pick in the 3rd for the Giants? Would we have benefitted more from an OL or LB? Were there other really good players at those positions at that point? The answer is yes to both of those questions. Need matters. If someone was truly that much better as an athlete than everyone else, he would have gone earlier in most cases.
by Maryland Fan on Jan 1, 2012 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
any names to these positions?
Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows
We are quitely rebuilding
We need to address the O-line, TE for more depth. Unless we have a run in the playoffs I see Osi traded. Our LB’s are still in transition, and some may not be healthy heading into camp, so that is a priority. BJ is likely gone, so that needs to be addressed. If our D secondary comes back 100% we are good there, IMO. So, things are not that bad.
That's a good observation
Without really saying it, the Giants quietly started re-structuring the roster this season. I think that continues next season.
by Ed Valentine on Jan 1, 2012 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
+100
we went for big seasons in 09 and 2010 with the big FA signings and keeping together the OLine and it did not pan out. If you think about it 2010 was such a massive dissapointment, If the G-Men had gotten in it would held GB out and their was no team in the NFC or AFC that was that much better than the G-Men in the tournament last year without GB.
We started rebuliding a bit this year and will continue next year with the O-Line and we will not sign many of our FAs. Goeff, Ross, TT, KP, MM . . . I think we only keep one or two of those guys probabbly one becasue we caonnot afford.
JR is banking Eli can carry us to be competative this year and next year. . . Eli has done that for the most part this year . . . lets see what happens next year.
nice one ed
Giants could move on with Mark Herzlich at middle linebacker, or with a high draft pick taking that spot.
This is the blog equivalent of an IED.
I’d love to see Thomas and Goff back, even B-Jake. Ross I could take or leave.
Diehl is being overpaid and K-Mac is playing out the string. But you know what they say about the devil you know…
nygmen123: Again, without Vick or Maclin, or Cromartie. Injuries don't seem to bother them. They just bring in guys to make plays
nygmen123: Stopped the Pats on the first series. Planted Brady twice. Guess what gang? This team isn't quitting. Or making excuses.
Simms-McC: Yeah -- I wish the Giants were more like the Eagles
nygmen123: In intensity and fight? Right now, so do I.
EAGLES LOSE, 38-20.
Well ...
Any mention of linebackers around here is sort of the equivalent of pulling the pin on a grenade.
by Ed Valentine on Jan 1, 2012 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
THats what we thought about
starting Goeff in 2010. . . he showed nothing his rookie year and very little late in 09. Herz would be in a similar spot.
It's Time!
Here’s my offseason wishlist…
#1 Osi has to go! He has been more valuable to us as a draft pick than as a player on the field for the past two years. I would be more than willing to put up with his nonsense (cuz the boy’s got talent) but we have talent and depth on the line so…
#2 Please get a quality linebacker! Draft, Free Agent, Trade, I don’t care but when was the last time we had someone on the field that brought excitement at that level? Jesse Armstead? Antonio Pierce?
#3 Everyone get on the Eli & Coughlin Bandwagon and glue your damn feet down! It’s so sad to see how quick everyone forgets the professionalism that these two bring to the table. It’s easy to say get rid of ’em but who is better that can replace them. This team can win with a few more pieces in place.
My off season thoughts?...
I have none right at the moment..I’ll wait until it the offseason, which I hope is quite aways off..
"When I was a boy and I had no sense..I got my pecker caught in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair, tickled my balls and made me shit in my overalls..."
I assumed your offseason thoughts revolved around fishing
It’s already a wrap… might as well not show up tomorrow.
Football - It's Beyond an Addiction, It's a Way of Life.
by Eagladelphia on Sep 24, 2011 11:12 PM EDT reply actions
SEPT 25 - Giants 29 - Eagles 16
Ha!..Yep I'll transist from a Betting line..To wetting a line...
"When I was a boy and I had no sense..I got my pecker caught in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair, tickled my balls and made me shit in my overalls..."
The wetting line is when you drink too much beer
and there is a unisex bathroom with a woman in it.
Take it from there.
All the Giants should play like Mark Bavaro.
TC, TQ, PF, KG, DD and KMac Must Go!
It is equally worthless when people are always optimistic or always pessimistic. Either way I take their opinion with a pound of salt because I know they only have one setting. I post my own thoughts, not what either side wants to read.
by UnknownJintsFan on Jan 1, 2012 12:08 PM EST up reply actions
Haha!!
I am very Ecologically concious..I have a ‘Pee jug’ in my boat that I always make sure I use…….Then I empty it in the water..haha
"When I was a boy and I had no sense..I got my pecker caught in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair, tickled my balls and made me shit in my overalls..."
I second that thought
this season is far from over…
GO GIANTS!!
Regardless of what happens, No playoffs, playoffs, no superblow, superblow.... The 2011/2012 is one of my favorite Giants Teams of all time.
Diehl should get cut
His salary is far out of line with his play, This year when Beatty proved efficient teams started attacking McKenzie in pass protection and his caliber of play dropped like a rock. So moving Diehl to RT is simply another version of that, it won’t work.
Brewer was drafted last year, and his improvement from crap to I see what they saw took place in the preseason. If he’s improved further during practice, I’d say try him at RT but consider a short term FA (no 5 yr deals) or another draft pick cause They need a third guy. Remember Beatty was ready last year till they sandbagged him with a switch to RT, no reason to think Brewer won’t be.
It’s already a wrap… might as well not show up tomorrow.
Football - It's Beyond an Addiction, It's a Way of Life.
by Eagladelphia on Sep 24, 2011 11:12 PM EDT reply actions
SEPT 25 - Giants 29 - Eagles 16
They might have to ask Diehl to take a paycut ala BJ
we’ll see . . .remember if Beaty has a big 2012 they’re going to have to pay him. . . so Mack will no doubt be gone and Diehl will not be far behind.
Thomas and Goff
so much depends on how much other teams are willing to pay for the guys coming off injuries. Goff is more of a low profile player and I can’t see a team throwing big dollars at him coming off surgery… I would think the Giants could do a short term Kiwi-style deal for him. I hope that happens anyway, I thought he was coming into his own at MLB.
Jacobs is going to be 30, but the issue I have with cutting him loose is that if they do that, they need to sign another RB. Not sure I see the point in that… are they going to find a better back in the draft / free agency that will be less expensive than Jacobs? Unless they think D. Scott is a superstar waiting in the wings… I don’t see how you let him go. A Bradshaw / Ware / Scott backfield doesn’t exactly fill me with hope.
The OL situation Ed describes seems about right to me. Hopefully Diehl shakes off whatever has been going on with him this year.
And
How how much the Giants can count of them coming off injury. I’m betting the giants pick a middle linebacker AND corner back in the first four picks in draft.
Beats me
especially TT since its the second time tearing the same ligament. Still, I think Goff has a good shot at being back next year. His injury happened in the preseason so hopefully he’ll have time to fully recover. I still think I’d take Goff at 90% over any of the guys currently on the roster (or out of next years draft).
by Oppenheimer919 on Jan 1, 2012 11:50 AM EST up reply actions
Yep
I read that the comeback from a second tear on a knee ligament is very tough. Let’s hope science has improved enough to overcome the odds for TT, who seems to be a great guy and team player.
I agree about Goff. I think the Giants do a Kiwi kind of deal and he’d be wise to stick around in a familiar setting as he works his way back.
Go Giants!
The problem with the RBs is that there is no real pass catcher in the lot
Scott supposedly has that skill, but we haven’t gotten a chance to see it, and I’m not talking downfield stuff a la Reggie Bush.
It’s already a wrap… might as well not show up tomorrow.
Football - It's Beyond an Addiction, It's a Way of Life.
by Eagladelphia on Sep 24, 2011 11:12 PM EDT reply actions
SEPT 25 - Giants 29 - Eagles 16
I am surprised we didn't see more of him this year
We saw more Danny Ware than I would have expected, and less of D. Scott. He looked pretty fast returning kicks… outside of that pretty hard to judge what you have. Ware still looks like… Ware. He’s okay.
by Oppenheimer919 on Jan 1, 2012 12:05 PM EST up reply actions
I think Deihl is gone.
Mckennzie, I see sticking with us for one more year. Plus I dont know how much injuries have affected the play of the whole O-Line.. but from what I have seen Beatty is our LT, Petrus is our future LG and Boothe should be O-Lineman of the year. HE single handed has saved our O-Line from being down right dreadful, to becoming average.
Everything else I agree with. As with TT, Ross, MM, Goff… Whoever wants to stay here will be here. Ross is my favorite out of the bunch, But none of them will be getting blockbuster contracts through us. If they want to stay with the Giants, great… If not, then that is what the Draft and F.A. are for. Sucks, I would love to see a defense with TT taking over for Grant and Goff in the middle.
Regardless of what happens, No playoffs, playoffs, no superblow, superblow.... The 2011/2012 is one of my favorite Giants Teams of all time.
Diehl vs. McKenzie
It’s an interesting debate. The thing that works in Dieh’s favor is that he already has a contract for the next two seasons.
by Ed Valentine on Jan 1, 2012 12:02 PM EST up reply actions
I just think McKenzie is shot physically. Done.
Diehl might be OK at RT, but may be paying him too much.
In any event it looks like OL, LB & TE are key needs. Let JR sort it all out.
Let's not forget Tryon
assuming the broken arm isn’t a ridiculous bad injury, he should be back 100% and man the 4th CB spot, CWeb and Prince 2 others. BRuce J would be a fifth CB should they want to go that way.
That leaves one spot by my reckoning
It’s already a wrap… might as well not show up tomorrow.
Football - It's Beyond an Addiction, It's a Way of Life.
by Eagladelphia on Sep 24, 2011 11:12 PM EDT reply actions
SEPT 25 - Giants 29 - Eagles 16
Also
I think it’d be interesting to have another poll about TC after the season is actually over. Not that I haven’t enjoyed the puppies and sunshine attitude on BBV since the win over the Jets…
what about canty?
he’s due more than 6 million next year in salary. Think he stays on that contract?
Offseason?
That’s for the dream team
We are going to the playoffs!!!
by Pinstripes&BigBlue on Jan 1, 2012 11:54 AM EST reply actions
Diehl & Mac
can both go, thank you. I’d like to see Beatty-Petrus-Baas-Snee-Brewer/1st/2nd pick with Boothe as the super-sub and maybe a journeyman vet (keep Ugoh?) to back up the T positions, plus maybe a low-rounder to develop.
I'd plug Boothe in for Petrus
And teach Petrus how to snap, starting first day of camps
It’s already a wrap… might as well not show up tomorrow.
Football - It's Beyond an Addiction, It's a Way of Life.
by Eagladelphia on Sep 24, 2011 11:12 PM EDT reply actions
SEPT 25 - Giants 29 - Eagles 16
with the amount that we ask guards to pull
I prefer Petrus’ athleticism. I’d give Boothe the C spot over Baas if he can clean up his snaps, but with Baas’ big contract, that’ll never happen.
I think Goff is gone in the off season. With all the rookie talent we have they mold herz into our MLB. He will be great. Mark it down here folks.
We need to think safety also with maybe a 4th pick or so. I believe replacing TC is not on the table. Who do you replace him with? I think TC leaves on his own tune. Now PF has to go this year. Pull away maybe pepper or bring back Spags. there are options other than Fewell. On the other hand I always seen it like well the Giants like so many have had no off season workouts. Looking at the league it is pass happy. So We will see the interesting moves made.
Spags, if possible, but would rather see him in St. Louis as HC than Philly as DC
With Pepper Johnson, why bring in someone from a lower-ranked defense than the one we have?
If I am reading the numbers right, the Giants went from #7 defense in 2010 to #28 in 2011. The question is, is it due to injuries or coaching, specifically DC?
http://www.coachescorner.com/n_input/nnweb/scores/header_nfl_def_rank.htm
It’s a scheme / personnel thing with defense. And this year, it seems that the DC’s scheme didn’t adjust to the available personnel…
I'd love to somehow get Barron...
Martin in the second
by Gmen_Fan_Forever on Jan 1, 2012 5:17 PM EST up reply actions
My take
KMac, Diehl, go. Why put Diehl at RT? He cannot block any longer at LT or LG. His time is past. Both are a MUST GO to me, the single most important moves. Other than replacing coaches that is,
Osi most likely gets traded if they can get what they want. Either way, JPP will be the starter. Has to be. How do you not start your best D player?
TT, Goff stay, not sure about BJ. That is a toss up, tilted by the fact that BJ will compromise and the Giants tend to stay with what they have too long.
Ballard, absolutely. How can you let him go? Ya gonna put in Pascoe or Lady Beckum?
MM goes. While he is a good WR, HN and Cruz are 1-2 and MM will ask for more money than he is worth.
Ross, Andrews, Thomas can go. Especially Ross. Clayton, Sintim and Kennedy are cut as well.
Of course, we are all full of hot air. Who knows what we pick up in the draft and FA and what the recovery from the myriad of injuries looks like?
All the Giants should play like Mark Bavaro.
TC, TQ, PF, KG, DD and KMac Must Go!
It is equally worthless when people are always optimistic or always pessimistic. Either way I take their opinion with a pound of salt because I know they only have one setting. I post my own thoughts, not what either side wants to read.
by UnknownJintsFan on Jan 1, 2012 12:20 PM EST reply actions
Give Mario an incentive laden contract. Worth one year. This way we don’t waste a pick on a receiver. A corps of nicks ccrruuuuuzzzzz maningham smith ( when the eagles let him go) and Jernigan will be a awesome group like signing deal on as a backup and saying good bye to makenzie. Keep Thomas let goff go and give Ross a contract like Marios thanks bj you gave us some good moments now we get a new back to carry your workload
by Gregjonesformvp on Jan 1, 2012 1:00 PM EST via mobile reply actions
If Sanu is ther
…I would jump all over that pick. Sanu was a beast without a QB. Can you imagine him with Eli and single coverage because Nicks and Cruz are on the field???
We could go toe to toe with the Packers and Saints.
This year has been a nice ride and kudos to TC and Reese for finding and coaching FAs and 6th rounders to make this last game meaningful, but the quest is to be better than the Pack and the Saints. Adding another lethal weapon at WR gets that done.
Cut
manningham, mckenzie, thomas andrews and diehl.
trade Osi
rebuild Oline in the draft/FA
keep goff TT ross ballard.
and i think Brandon Jacobs has done enough in the second half of this season to earn a contract
You can't cut guys who are free agents
Manningham, McKenzie, Devin Thomas, and Andrews are free agents. They’re already coming off of the books once the season ends.
Diehl still has 2 years left.
Team Ghost: Manningham, Sintim, Beckum, Barden, JPP, Anvil, Ross
Tom Coughlin: "Respect all. Fear none."
That was a silly idea..haha
"When I was a boy and I had no sense..I got my pecker caught in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair, tickled my balls and made me shit in my overalls..."
I didnt really mean cut
i meant, just let them go
by TheNotoriousDJC on Jan 1, 2012 6:52 PM EST up reply actions
Any Giants fans in Dallas??
Come watch the game with other Giants fans at
Buffalo Joes Bar and Grill- 3636 Frankford Road
by Aristo in Dallas on Jan 1, 2012 3:58 PM EST reply actions
Why Mario?
Do you think they wouldnt bring him back solely b/c of Cruz or do you think he’s gonna want a larger role elsewhere?
Id bring him back, not many teams can match the triumvirate of Nicks-Cruz-Manningham
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
The season isn't over yet
The Giants can still make it to the playoffs and people are talking off season already? People have no faith.
Not trying to be disrespectful...
I just want to add my opinion on this.
I have zero interest in this topic today. Absolutely none. I did not read the column or any of the comments.
If we lose tonight, then this becomes something to read.
Gotta take care of this playoff game tonight.
"We borrowed golf from the Scottish as we borrowed whiskey. Not because it is Scottish, but because it is good." Horace Hutchinson
No more score predictions...
moves
Ross, Rolle, Webster SUCK…..Osi should be traded for draft picks or a player we could use.
Ross
how the fuck can you give WR a 6 yard cushin when 7 yards is a TD ??? SUCK Ross
Mario Mannigham
Last season, mario had 944 recieving yards, 60 rec and 9 touchdowns. Pretty good for any player. Injuries and the emergence of Cruz hurt this season but he is still a good second receiver and will be a third of he is kept
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Community Guidelines
Related FanPosts on Big Blue View
Related FanShots on Big Blue View
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Get Your Giants' Gear
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Former high-school star Brian Banks does serious time on trumped-up charge, now hopes for an NFL shot
- Former ‘idiot kicker’ Mike Vanderjagt in trouble after accosting junior-high heckler
- Adrian Peterson blows teammates away in footraces; appears to be on the mend
- UPDATE: Charlie Sheen didn’t buy Lawrence Taylor’s Super Bowl ring
- Alex Smith gets blown up by Jon Beason over Cam Newton comments
