:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/9617361/158030888.0.jpg)
The first day of NFL Free Agency 2013 is nearing completion. Here are my initial reaction to the impact of the day's events on the New York Giants.
The loss of tight end Martellus Bennett to the Chicago Bears hurts. As things played out in recent weeks, however, it was not unexpected. I wouldn't lose much sleep over it, either. Somehow, the Giants always manage to do just fine at tight end.
[Related: BBV Free Agency Hub Page]
The return of Aaron Ross was a surprise, but maybe it shouldn't have been. The Giants needed depth at cornerback and they did draft Ross in the first round in 2007.This gives the Giants a stable of veteran players who know the system and what defensive coordinator Perry Fewell wants.
Maybe the Giants like running back Ryan Torain more than anyone realized last season, when he never got into a game. Bringing him back for 2013 might be bad news for Da'Rel Scott.
The Giants expressed interest in former New York Jets guard Matt Slauson, probably just in case they can't convince Kevin Boothe to stay.
All in all for the Giants there weren't any splashy moves on Day 1, which is par for the course.
Other Notes
Wide receiver Domenik Hixon has apparently drawn interest from the Detroit Lions and at least one other team, tweeting Tuesday night that he faces a "tough decision."
Linebacker Chase Blackburn has apparently drawn interest from the Dallas Cowboys.
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
G Kevin Boothe -- Boothe is testing the market. The Giants are looking at potential replacements.
TE Martellus Bennett -- Bennett moved quickly, landing with the Chicago Bears. [Bennett StoryStream]
DE Osi Umenyiora -- Likely to leave for starting job. [Umenyiora StoryStream]
S Kenny Phillips -- No news so far.
LB Chase Blackburn -- Drawing interest from the Dallas Cowboys.
LB Keith Rivers -- An interesting case. Good player when healthy.
K Lawrence Tynes -- Tynes might be a San Francisco 49er by the end of the day. [Tynes StoryStream]
DT Rocky Bernard -- With Shaun Rogers re-signed, unlikely to be back.
WR Domenik Hixon -- Reportedly has an offer from the Detroit Lions.
WR Ramses Barden -- Ready to move on, which is probably a good idea. The Panthers seem like the best bet.
QB David Carr -- Will test market to see if he can find playing time.
TE Travis Beckum -- See ya.
T Sean Locklear -- Knee injury clouds his future.
CB Justin Tryon -- Giants will let him hit the market.
RB Kregg Lumpkin -- Giants will let him look elsewhere.
CB Brian Witherspoon -- Has missed two seasons with ACL injuries.
[See SB Nation/NFL for all the free agency news from around the league]
RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
WR Victor Cruz -- Received first-round tender. [Cruz StoryStream]
RB Andre Brown -- Received second-round tender.
S Stevie Brown -- Received second-round tender.
RB Ryan Torain -- Will be brought back by the Giants. Will likely compete with Da'Rel Scott.