2013 NFL Free Agency: Potential Giants' target -- Gosder Cherilus, OT, Detroit Lions

Signing free-agent right tackle Gosder Cherilus to a rich contract was at the center of an off-season restructuring plan for the New York Giants recently laid out by our own Jesse Bartolis. Is that a good idea.

We have been looking at potential Giants' targets in free agency. Today, let's look at Cherilus.

Sean Yuille of SB Nation's Lions web site, Pride of Detroit, had this to say via e-mail about Cherilus:

"Gosder Cherilus has been the Lions' starting right tackle since being drafted in 2008. There have been moments where he was briefly benched because of a dumb penalty or inconsistent play (most recently in 2011), but that wasn't an issue last season. He had by far the best year of his career, which was good timing since he is a free agent this offseason. For that reason alone, his value has gone up, and if I had to guess right now, I'd say he ends up somewhere else next season. The Lions have Riley Reiff ready to enter the starting lineup, so they can afford to lose Cherilus."

Rotoworld lists Cherilus among the top 50 available free agents, but with a warning label. Rotoworld's Evan Silva writes:

Cherilus was arguably Detroit's best offensive lineman in 2012, but he's a right-tackle only with a long history of knee problems and no longer part of the Lions' long-term plans. Cherilus will likely be viewed on the open market as a short-term fix.

Cherilus, a 6-foot-7, 315-pound five-year veteran is a risk. Yes, he played well in 2012 with a +23.4 rating from Pro Football Focus. He has had an inconsistent career, however, and there is concern about his knee. You have to wonder why the Lions appear willing to move on without him.

Your thoughts, Giants' fans?