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Am I the only one who is at least mildly surprised that the New York Giants have not come to an agreement yet with free-agent-to-be cornerback Terrell Thomas? As of now, we aren't even hearing a whole lot about the two sides burning up the phone lines to try and make a deal before NFL Free Agency begins Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET
For his part, Thomas sounds like a guy who is ready to hit the free-agent market -- and is excited about it.
1 day tic toc tic toc....feels like Christmas eve
— Terrell Thomas (@TerrellThomas24) March 12, 2012
Thomas was developing into one of the league's better corners before an unfortunate preseason knee injury cost him the entire 2011 season. Some thought Thomas, 27, was headed for a Pro Bowl-type season that would put him in line for a rich, long-term contract. Instead, his second ACL injury and impending free-agent status leave his future with the Giants as a huge question mark.
Making this even more interesting is that Aaron Ross, who started in place of Thomas in 2011, is also headed for free agency. It would be very surprising -- at least to me -- if the Giants let both players hit the market.
Given the choice between the two, if the Giants believe Thomas will check out fine medically, you have to think that the Giants would be inclined to choose Thomas over Ross. If both players are at their best, Thomas is simply the better player.
In 2010 Thomas had five interceptions, four forced fumbles, 21 passes defensed and 101 tackles for the Giants. Ross had his best season as a Giant in 2011 with four interceptions, 12 passes defensed and 60 tackles.
The clock is ticking, and Thomas' contract beard is still growing. Are the Giants really going to let him hit the open market? We're about to find out.