New York Giants Potential Free-Agent Target: Defensive End Trent Cole

Trent Cole has terrorized the New York Giants and quarterback Eli Manning for a decade. It might be a little like 'Sleeping With The Enemy,' but now that the Philadelphia Eagles have released him, should the Giants bring Cole to the Meadowlands?

Cole, 32, has 85.5 career sacks. It seems like far more than this, but a career-high nine of those are against Manning and the Giants. He also has more tackles (57 combined) against the Giants than any other team.

So, at the least the Giants should thank Chip Kelly and the Eagles for getting Cole, at least for now, out of Manning's face.

Back to the question, though. Does Cole have enough left in the tank to help the Giants for a year, maybe two?

Cole had 6.5 sacks in 15 games last season and had 46 total pressures in 353 oass rush snaps for a pass rush productivity percentage of an excellent 10.3. He forced three fumbles and had a +11.3 score from Pro Football Focus rushing the passer.

The 6-foot-3, 270-pound Cole has spent the last two seasons playing outside linebacker in Philly's 3-4, but spent the first seven seasons of his career as a 4-3 defensive end. NFL insider Adam Caplan believes Cole will sign with a team that plays a 4-3.

Brandon Lee Gowton of SB Nation's Bleeding Green Nation believes a return to 4-3 defensive end would be the right move for Cole:

"Definitely still has something left in the tank, but not so much as a full time player anymore," Gowton said. "Good run defender, still can rush the passer but not like he used to. Probably would be better going back to 4-3 DE instead of 3-4 OLB."

Pete Damilatis of Pro Football Focus thinks Cole still has enough left to help a team like the Giants:

"Still a very productive pass rusher last year. Likely a good value if they miss out on a younger guy like [Brandon] Graham."

The idea that the Giants need more pass rushers has been expressed often this offseason. A photo Wednesday of Damontre Moore wearing a sling on his right arm, and the recent news that Robert Ayers is yet to recover fully from a torn pectoral muscle, might increase the urgency for the Giants to add at least one defensive end to the roster. The Giants also released veteran Mathias Kiwanuka.

Does a one-year deal for Cole make sense? Your thoughts, Giants fans?